Waterproof housing for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A waterproof housing for an electronic device includes a first member, a second member, and a gasket. The first member includes a perimeter portion, an interior bounding member, and an exterior bounding member. The interior bounding member and the exterior bounding member form a channel in the first member and the exterior bounding member includes a groove. The second member removably couples to the first member to form the waterproof housing. The second member includes a perimeter portion that extends into the channel of the first member when the second member is coupled to the first member. The second member further includes a ridge that mates with the groove of the exterior bounding member of the first member. The gasket is compressed between the first member and the second member when the first member is coupled to the second member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/481,839, filed Sep. 9, 2014, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/170,432,filed Jan. 31, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/759,972, filed Feb. 1, 2013, and to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/794,019, filed Mar. 15, 2013. Thispatent application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/875,580, filed Sep. 9, 2013, U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/876,222, filed Sep. 10, 2013, U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/877,254, filed Sep. 12, 2013, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/883,991, filed Sep. 28, 2013. The disclosures ofeach of the patents and applications cited in this paragraph are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for retaining anelectronic device as well as for methods for using the device for thepurpose of doing the same. In various instances, the electronic deviceincludes a housing and the retaining device is adapted for interfacingwith the housing of the electronic device. The housing may be a separateunit from the electronic device or part of the electronic device itself.In various instances, the housing is a separate unit from the electronicdevice, within which the electronic device is fitted. In certaininstances, the housing for the electronic device is adapted forprotecting the device from one or more of shock, liquid, dust, snow, andthe like. The electronic device may be any suitable electronic device,such as a computer, mobile computer, notebook computer, tablet computer,telephone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are well known and widely used. For instance, mobilecomputers, tablet PCs, telephones, smartphones, personal digitalassistants, and the like are electronic devices that are capable ofreceiving inputs, calculating data pertaining to those inputs, andgenerating outputs concerning the same. Such data may be important inmaximizing ones efficiency and/or enjoyment when participating in thevarious activities of daily life. Consequently, such electronic devicesthat are capable of collecting, compiling, and outputting such data arealso important in maximizing ones efficiency and/or enjoyment wheninteracting with such varied activities present in daily life.

However, participating in these various activities can expose suchelectronic devices to conditions such as rain, dirt, dust, mud, snow,and water (in all of its forms) that can be damaging to these electronicdevices. Additionally, the typical housing that encases the componentsof these electronic devices is fragile or otherwise breakable and can bedamaged by mistreatment and/or other inappropriate handling, such as bydropping. It is, therefore, useful to have a housing within which anelectronic device, or the components thereof, in need of protection maybe housed so as to protect it from inclement conditions, mistreatment,and/or inappropriate handling. Consequently, the housing of the actualelectronic device itself may be ruggedized, or a separate housingdesigned to house the electronic device may be provided so as to protectthe electronic device, or its components, from such damage. Suchhousings are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,342,325 and 8,831,824, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An unfortunate circumstance of ruggedizing a housing of the electronicdevice itself and/or providing a separate protective housing for thesame is that it increases the size of the electronic device makingtransportation of the device more cumbersome. Accordingly, on one hand,providing environmental protection for such electronic devices allowsthem to be used in situations wherein the fear of breakage wouldotherwise prevent their use, however, such protection makes theirtransport more difficult and therefore decreases their usability. Thereis therefore a need in the art for a mechanism whereby such portableelectronic devices are capable of being protected at the same time asbeing easily transported. It would further be useful to develop atransportation mechanism that increases the usability of such electronicdevices during transportation.

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for moreeasily transporting an object, such as a device and/or the componentsthereof, as well as methods for using the same, in a manner that offersboth protection for the device from adverse environmental conditions,inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage, such as from contacting afluid, such as water, at the same time as increasing its usability whilebeing transported.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a device or a system of devices for one or more ofprotecting, retaining, and/or transporting an object, such as a device,for instance, an electronic device, is provided. In its most basic form,the device may be a sled, which sled is configured for retaining anelectronic device and/or an electronic device that has been housedwithin a housing such as a ruggedized housing. The retaining sled itselfmay then be adapted in various manners so as to be easily transported inone or more of a multiplicity of ways.

Accordingly, in one instance, a sled for retaining an electronic deviceis provided. The sled includes an elongated member having a proximalportion and a distal portion, which elongated member is circumscribed bya perimeter portion. The elongated member is configured for interfacingwith a surface of an electronic device or a housing that is capable ofhousing the same, e.g., a front or back surface of an electronic deviceor a housing, such as a ruggedized housing, therefore. One or both ofthe elongated member or the perimeter portion are configured forsupporting the electronic device while in the sled.

The sled further includes at least one clasping mechanism that isconfigured for removably retaining the electronic device within thesled. Any suitable clasping mechanism may be employed so long as suchclasping mechanism is capable of interfacing with a portion of theelectronic device, and/or a housing therefore, as well as the sled insuch a manner that by said interaction the electronic device is retainedwithin the sled. The clasping mechanism may be positioned anywhere alongthe sled, and in some instances, is positioned along the perimeterportion, such as at one or both of said proximal and/or distal portionsof the elongated member.

The object to be retained may be any suitable object capable of beingretained within such a sled. In certain instances, the object is adevice, such as an electronic device. Suitable electronic devices mayinclude one or more of a mobile computing device, such as a personalcomputer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an electronic reader,a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, and other suchelectronic devices and/or a combination of the same. In certaininstances, the object is a housing configured to house a device, such asan electronic device.

It is understood that the sled herein disclosed may be configured forretaining an electronic device itself, or a housing within which anelectronic device is to be housed, such as a ruggedized housing. For thepurpose of enhancing clarity and for ease of reference only, thefollowing disclosure will be described with reference to the sled beingconfigured for retaining a housing, which housing is adapted for housingthe electronic device. It is nevertheless to be understood that the sledmay just as easily be adapted for interfacing directly with theelectronic device itself rather than through the medium of a housing forsaid electronic device.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, one or more of the aforementionedelectronic devices may be provided in conjunction with a housing, suchas a waterproof and/or shockproof housing, such as that described inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0118773, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In such embodiments,the sled may be configured for interfacing with and retaining thehousing, which housing houses the electronic device. Such a housing,therefore, may be configured such that the electronic device may befitted within the housing, so as to be protected thereby, and the sledmay be configured for receiving and retaining the housing therein.

In certain instances, therefore, the sled may include one or moresupport elements, such as along a perimeter portion of the sled, whereinthe support members are configured for supporting and/or retaining thehousing and/or electronic device within the sled. One or more supportelements may be provided such as along one or more perimeter edgesand/or corners. For instance, in certain embodiments, two supportingelements may be provided, such as at the corners of the distal portionof the elongated member, and/or two supporting elements may be provided,such as at the corners of a proximal portion of the elongated member. Inanother instance, one or more sides or edges of the sled may includesuitable supporting elements.

The support element may have any suitable configuration so long as it iscapable of interacting with a housing and/or electronic device andsupporting and/or retaining the housing within the sled. For instance,in certain instances, the supporting element may be configured as apocket and/or a dead stop. For example, in certain instances, aplurality of support members may be provided, such as at the proximaland/or distal corners of the sled, wherein some of the support membersare configured as a pocket, such as at the distal corners, and some ofthe support members are configured as hard stops, such as at theproximal corners. Additional or alternative support members may also beprovided, such as along one or more of the side edges of the sled.

In certain embodiments, the sled is configured for receiving a utilityattachment. For instance, the sled may be adapted for being coupled to autility member such as a belt clip member, a bike clip member, anarmband member, a universal mounting member, a car mounting system, awindshield mounting system, an external or internal battery chargingsystem, a solar panel system, an external speaker system, and the like.For example, a portion of the sled may be configured for being removablyor non-removably coupled to one or more utility members the coupling ofwhich converts the sled into one or more accessories for use with anelectronic device, more specifically for use in transporting and/orusing an electronic device during transportation. In certainembodiments, the one or more accessory attachments may beinterchangeable with the sled making the sled and attachments aninterchangeable system, in other embodiments, once an attachment iscoupled to the sled it is coupled in a non-removable fashion. Thedisclosure provides an apparatus for covering at least part of a mobilecomputing device having a touch screen display. The mobile computingdevice can also have an electrical connection in a housing that housesthe mobile computing device. The apparatus includes a liquid resistantencasement that prevents damage to the mobile computing device from aliquid when the mobile computing device is encased in the liquidresistant encasement and when the liquid resistant encasement is in asealed configuration with the mobile computing device, the liquidresistant encasement further enabling operation of the touch screendisplay when the mobile computing device is encased therein, theencasement having an outer surface and an inner surface and an aperturepassing therethrough proximate the electrical connection; a chargingmechanism adapted to sealably occupy the aperture in the encasement, thecharging mechanism having a charge carrier proximate the interiorsurface of the encasement, the charging mechanism further having anelectrical connection adapter having a first electrical interface forinterfacing with the electrical connection of the mobile computingdevice when the encasement covers the at least part of the mobilecomputing device that includes the electrical connection, and theelectrical connection adapter further having a second electricalinterface electrically coupled with the charge carrier for transferringelectrical charge from the charge carrier to the first electricalinterface.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering and charging amobile computing device having a housing that comprises a touch screendisplay. The mobile computing device can also include one or more liquidpermeable features. The one or more liquid permeable features caninclude an electrical connection for charging the mobile computingdevice. The apparatus includes an encasement that enables operation ofthe touch screen display of the housing of the mobile computing device,the encasement to cover at least part of the mobile computing devicethat includes the electrical connection, the encasement having one ormore sealing members for providing a liquid resistant seal to the one ormore liquid permeable features of the mobile computing device, theencasement having an outer surface and an interior surface; and acharging mechanism having a charge carrier proximate the interiorsurface of the encasement, the charging mechanism further having anelectrical connection adapter having a first electrical interface forinterfacing with the electrical connection of the mobile computingdevice when the encasement covers the at least part of the mobilecomputing device that includes the electrical connection, and theelectrical connection adapter further having a second electricalinterface electrically coupled with the charge carrier for transferringelectrical charge from the charge carrier to the first electricalinterface.

In one embodiment, the charge carrier is an induction plate. In anotherembodiment, the charge carrier is a battery.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least part ofa mobile computing device having a touch screen display including anelectrical connection in a housing that houses the mobile computingdevice. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an encasement thatcovers at least a part of the mobile computing device. In certainembodiments, the encasement includes at least one aperture in theencasement proximate the electrical connection, the at least oneaperture having a gasket seat. The apparatus can also include anelectrical connection adapter having a body for enclosing the at leastone aperture in the encasement, the electrical connection adapter havinga first electrical interface connected with the body, the firstelectrical interface for interfacing with the electrical connection ofthe mobile computing device when the body encloses the at least oneaperture in the encasement, the electrical connection adapter furtherhaving a second electrical interface connected with the body, the secondelectrical interface for transferring electrical power and/or datasignals to and from the first electrical interface, the secondelectrical interface including a plurality of sealed,electrically-conductive members; and a gasket for being seated on thegasket seat to seal an interface between the at least one aperture inthe encasement and the body of the electrical connection adapter.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes an encasement that coversat least part of the mobile computing device that includes theelectrical connection, the encasement having a bottom member to cover atleast a first portion of the mobile computing device, and a top memberto cover at least a second portion of the mobile computing device, thetop member configured to allow touch access to the touch screen display;and a coupling mechanism to couple the top member with the bottom memberto cover the first and second portions of the mobile computing device,and to seal the top member with the bottom member.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a second couplingmechanism to couple the electrical connection adapter to the encasementwhen the body encloses the at least one aperture in the encasement.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least part ofa mobile computing device having a touch screen display. The mobilecomputing device also includes an electrical connection in a housingthat houses the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, theapparatus includes an encasement that enables operation of the touchscreen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing devicethat includes the electrical connection, the encasement having a frame;and an electrical connection adapter disposed within a surface of theframe proximate the electrical connection, the electrical connectionadapter having a first electrical interface connected with the frame,the first electrical interface for interfacing with the electricalconnection of the mobile computing device when the mobile computingdevice is covered by the encasement, the electrical connection adapterfurther having a second electrical interface connected with the frame,the second electrical interface for transferring electrical power and/ordata signals to and from the first electrical interface, the secondelectrical interface including a plurality of sealed,electrically-conductive members.

In certain embodiments, an electrical connection adapter can beembedded, attached to, integrated with, interior to or exterior to asurface of the frame proximate the electrical connection.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least part ofa mobile computing device having a touch screen display. The mobilecomputing device further includes an electrical connection in a housingthat houses the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, theapparatus includes an encasement that enables operation of the touchscreen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing devicethat includes the electrical connection, the encasement having an outersurface and an inner surface; an aperture passing through the innersurface and the outer surface of the encasement proximate the electricalconnection; an electrical connection adapter having a body for enclosingthe at least one aperture in the encasement, the electrical connectionadapter having a first electrical interface connected with the body, thefirst electrical interface for interfacing with the electricalconnection of the mobile computing device when the body encloses the atleast one aperture in the encasement, the electrical connection adapterfurther having a second electrical interface connected with the body,the second electrical interface for transferring electrical power and/ordata signals to and from the first electrical interface, the secondelectrical interface including a plurality of sealed,electrically-conductive members; and a gasket for being seated on thegasket seat to seal an interface between the at least one aperture inthe encasement and the electrical connection adapter.

In certain embodiments, the encasement has a bottom member that coversat least a first portion of the mobile computing device, and a topmember that covers at least a second portion of the mobile computingdevice. The top member can be configured to allow touch access to thetouch screen display.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering at least part ofa mobile computing device having a touch screen display. The mobilecomputing device can also include an electrical connection in a housingthat houses the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, theapparatus includes a liquid resistant encasement that prevents damage tothe mobile computing device from a liquid when the mobile computingdevice is encased in the liquid resistant encasement and when the liquidresistant encasement is in a sealed configuration with the mobilecomputing device, the liquid resistant encasement further enablingoperation of the touch screen display when the mobile computing deviceis encased therein, the encasement having an outer surface and an innersurface and an aperture passing therethrough proximate the electricalconnection; an electrical connection adapter having a body for sealingthe at least one aperture against liquid intrusion into the liquidresistant encasement, the electrical connection adapter having a firstelectrical interface connected with the body, the first electricalinterface for interfacing with the electrical connection of the mobilecomputing device when the body encloses the at least one aperture in theliquid resistant encasement, the electrical connection adapter furtherhaving a second electrical interface connected with the body, the secondelectrical interface for transferring electrical power and/or datasignals to and from the first electrical interface, the secondelectrical interface including a plurality of sealed,electrically-conductive members.

The disclosure also provides a system for covering and charging a mobilecomputing device having a housing that comprises a touch screen display.The mobile computing device may include one or more liquid permeablefeatures. The one or more liquid permeable features can also include anelectrical connection for charging the mobile computing device. Incertain embodiments, the system includes an encasement that enablesoperation of the touch screen display of the housing of the mobilecomputing device. In certain embodiments, the encasement covers at leastpart of the mobile computing device that includes the electricalconnection. The encasement can include one or more sealing members forproviding a liquid resistant seal to the one or more liquid permeablefeatures of the mobile computing device, the encasement having an outersurface and an interior surface; a first induction plate proximate theinterior surface of the encasement; and an electrical connection adapterhaving a first electrical interface for interfacing with the electricalconnection of the mobile computing device when the encasement covers theat least part of the mobile computing device that includes theelectrical connection, the electrical connection adapter further havinga second electrical interface electrically coupled with the firstinduction plate for transferring electrical charge from the firstinduction plate to the first electrical interface. The encasement canalso include a base unit having a second inductive plate for inducing atransfer of inductive charge to the first inductive plate of theencasement, which transfers the charge to the electrical connectionadapter and to the electrical connection of the mobile computing device.

In certain embodiments, the base unit includes one or more alignmentmembers that provide alignment for the encasement when the encasement ismated with the base unit, and to align the first induction plate withthe second induction plate. In other embodiments, the liquid is water.

The disclosure also provides an apparatus for covering and charging amobile computing device having a housing that comprises a touch screendisplay. The mobile computing device can also include one or more liquidpermeable features. The one or more liquid permeable features caninclude an electrical connection for charging the mobile computingdevice. The apparatus can include an encasement that enables operationof the touch screen display of the housing of the mobile computingdevice, the encasement to cover at least part of the mobile computingdevice that includes the electrical connection. Optionally, theencasement having one or more sealing members for providing a liquidresistant seal to the one or more liquid permeable features of themobile computing device. The encasement can also include an outersurface and an interior surface; a charging mechanism having aninduction plate proximate the interior surface of the encasement, thecharging mechanism further having an electrical connection adapterhaving a first electrical interface for interfacing with the electricalconnection of the mobile computing device when the encasement covers theat least part of the mobile computing device that includes theelectrical connection, and the electrical connection adapter furtherhaving a second electrical interface electrically coupled with the firstinduction plate for transferring electrical charge from the inductionplate to the first electrical interface.

In certain embodiments, the encasement is a liquid resistant encasementthat prevents damage to the mobile computing device from a liquid whenthe mobile computing device is encased in the liquid resistantencasement and when the liquid resistant encasement is in a sealedconfiguration with the mobile computing device, the liquid resistantencasement further enabling operation of the touch screen display whenthe mobile computing device is encased therein, the encasement having anouter surface and an inner surface and an aperture passing therethroughproximate the electrical connection.

The present disclosure also describes an electrical adapter forwaterproof encasements. The electrical adapter has a body that houseselectrical components within that allow electrical power and/or anelectrical data signal to be passed between a first electrical connectorand a second electrical connector on two ends of the electrical adapter.The first and second electrical connectors may be male or female. Anencasement insertion member extends from one end of the electricaladapter and terminates with the first electrical connector. The bodyalso includes a ledge proximate the second electrical connector, and abump is positioned on the ledge. The ledge is configured such that adoor of an encasement can be maneuvered over the top of the ledge,securing the adapter on the encasement.

The present disclosure also describes systems that include a waterproofencasement and an electrical adapter. The waterproof encasement includesa door having an open position and a closed position, and a protrusion.The adapter has a body that houses electrical components within thatallow electrical power and/or an electrical data signal to be passedbetween a first electrical connector and a second electrical connectoron two ends of the electrical adapter. The first and second electricalconnectors may be male or female. An encasement insertion member extendsfrom one end of the electrical adapter and terminates with the firstelectrical connector. The body also includes a ledge proximate thesecond electrical connector, and a bump is positioned on the ledge. Theledge is configured such that the door of the encasement can bemaneuvered over the top of the ledge, securing the adapter on theencasement.

The present disclosure also describes a waterproof housing for anelectronic device that includes a first member, a second member, and agasket. The first member includes a perimeter portion, an interiorbounding member, and an exterior bounding member. The interior boundingmember and the exterior bounding member form a channel in the firstmember and the exterior bounding member includes a groove. The secondmember removably couples to the first member to form the waterproofhousing. The second member includes a perimeter portion that extendsinto the channel of the first member when the second member is coupledto the first member. The second member further includes a ridge thatmates with the groove of the exterior bounding member of the firstmember. The gasket is compressed between the first member and the secondmember when the first member is coupled to the second member. Thewaterproof housing may also include a second gasket.

The present disclosure further describes water resistant housings for anelectronic device. The housing includes a top member having a frontsurface surrounded by a perimeter portion; the perimeter portion isdefined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposingside portions. The proximal end portion, the distal end portion, and theopposing side portions define an interior portion of the top member toreceive the electronic device. The perimeter portion also has a claspingmechanism. The housing also includes a bottom member configured forbeing removably coupled with the top member to form the water resistanthousing. The bottom member has a perimeter portion corresponding to ashape of the perimeter portion of the top member. The perimeter portionof the bottom member also has a clasping mechanism for interfacing withthe clasping mechanism of the top member. The clasping mechanism enablesa user to couple the bottom member to the top member to enclose theelectronic device inside the water resistant housing. The housingfurther includes a membrane in the front surface of the top member. Themembrane is configured to permit interaction with the electronic devicefrom outside the water resistant housing when the electronic device isinside the water resistant housing. The membrane has a first region forinteracting with the interactive touchscreen of the electronic device,and a second region for interacting with a biometric scanner of theelectronic device from outside the water resistant housing. In someembodiments, the biometric scanner of the electronic device includes afingerprint scanner. The second region of the membrane has a thicknessthat is less than a thickness of the first region of the membrane.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a liquid resistant housingfor an electronic device having a biometric scanning device and aninteractive touchscreen. The liquid resistant housing includes a topmember having a front surface surrounded by a perimeter portion. Thefront surface includes a first membrane region and a second membraneregion. The perimeter portion is defined by a proximal end portion, adistal end portion, and opposing side portions. The proximal endportion, the distal end portion, and the opposing side portions definean interior portion of the top member configured to receive theelectronic device. The perimeter portion has a clasping mechanism. Thehousing also includes a bottom member configured for being removablycoupled to the top member to form the liquid resistant housing. Thebottom member has a perimeter portion corresponding to a shape of theperimeter portion of the top member. The perimeter portion of the bottommember also has a clasping mechanism for interfacing with the claspingmechanism of the top member, and allowing a user to couple the bottommember to the top member to enclose the electronic device inside theliquid resistant housing. The first membrane region is configured tofacilitate interaction with the interactive touchscreen of theelectronic device through the membrane when the electronic device isinside the liquid resistant housing. The second membrane region isconfigured to facilitate interaction with the biometric scanning deviceof the electronic device through the membrane when the electronic deviceis inside the liquid resistant housing. The second membrane region has athickness less than a thickness of the first membrane region.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a waterproof protective casefor an electronic device having a fingerprint scanner and an interactivetouchscreen. In this aspect, the waterproof protective case includes afirst member having a surface and a perimeter portion surrounding thesurface. The perimeter portion is defined by a proximal end portion, adistal end portion, and opposing side portions. In addition, theproximal end portion, the distal end portion, and the opposing sideportions define an interior portion of the first member to receive theelectronic device, the perimeter portion also includes a claspingmechanism. The waterproof protective case also includes a second memberconfigured for being removably coupled to the first member to form thewaterproof protective case. The second member has a surface and aperimeter portion. The perimeter portion of the second membercorresponds to a shape of the perimeter portion of the first member. Theperimeter portion of the second member also includes a claspingmechanism for interfacing with the clasping mechanism of the firstmember, allowing a user to couple the second member to the first memberto enclose the electronic device inside the protective case. Theprotective case also includes a membrane in one of the surface of thefirst member and the surface of the second member to facilitateinteraction with the electronic device inside the waterproof protectivecase. The membrane has a first region and a second region. The firstregion is for interacting with the interactive touchscreen of theelectronic device through the membrane, and the second region forinteracting with the fingerprint scanner of the electronic devicethrough the membrane. The second region of the membrane being thinnerthan the first region of the membrane.

In some embodiments of the liquid resistant housings and waterproofprotective cases described herein, the thickness of the second regionpermits a fingerprint of a user to be scanned by the fingerprint scannerthrough the second region of the membrane. In some embodiments, thethickness of the first region of the membrane is greater than a maximummembrane thickness through which the fingerprint scanner is capable ofscanning the fingerprint. In some embodiments, the thickness of thefirst region of the membrane is greater than a maximum membranethickness through which the fingerprint scanner is capable of scanningthe fingerprint. In certain embodiments, the membrane includes at leastone optically transparent region and wherein first membrane region is atleast partially within the at least one optically transparent region. Insome embodiments, the second region of the membrane includes a coatingto facilitate operation of the biometric scanner.

In certain embodiments of the liquid resistant housings and waterproofprotective cases described herein, the clasping mechanisms of the topand the bottom members extend along respective perimeter portions of thetop and the bottom members. In some embodiments, the bottom memberincludes a channel and a gasket for engaging the top member to couplethe top member to the bottom member. In some embodiments, the claspingmechanism of the bottom member includes a groove in a side of thechannel. In such embodiments, the clasping mechanism of the top memberincludes a lip for engaging the groove when the top member and bottommember are coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1C are directed to a sled of the disclosure, wherein the sledis configured for retaining an electronic device and/or a housingtherefor. FIGS. 1D-1I are directed to an alternative embodiment of thesled of the disclosure, wherein the sled is configured for retaining anelectronic device and/or a housing therefor.

FIGS. 2A-2G are directed to implementations of a clasping and/or lockingmechanism for use in conjunction with the sled of the disclosure. FIGS.2H-2M are directed to alternative embodiments of a clasping and/orlocking mechanism for use in conjunction with the sled of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide various perspective views of a distal portion ofthe sled.

FIGS. 4A-4H provide various implementations of a mechanism for couplingthe sled with a number of utility attachments, and FIGS. 4I-4N providean alternative embodiment of a sled for implementing coupling to utilityattachments.

FIGS. 5A-5F are directed to a suitable belt-clip accessory that may becoupled to the sled of the disclosure. FIGS. 5G-5J are directed to analternative embodiment of a sled of the disclosure coupled to analternative embodiment of a belt clip accessory.

FIGS. 6A-6I are directed to implementations of a bike mount adapter andassembly that may be coupled to a sled of the disclosure. FIGS. 6J-6Tare directed to implementations of a bike-mounted ball assembly forcoupling to a sled of the invention having a bike mount assemblyattached to or integrated therewith. FIGS. 6U-6X are directed to analternative embodiment of a sled and locking mechanism implemented witha bike mount and adapter.

FIGS. 7A-7T are directed to implementations of an armband assembly thatmay be coupled to a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8E are directed to implementations of a float adapter that maybe coupled to sleds and cases of the disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9G are directed to implementations of a mount adapter that maybe coupled to a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10G are directed to implementations of a mounting system for asled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11H are directed to other implementations of a mounting systemfor a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12C are directed to other implementations of a mounting systemfor a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13B are directed to other implementations of a mounting systemfor a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14D are directed to other implementations of a mounting systemfor a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 15A-15D are directed to other implementations of a mounting systemfor a sled of the disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16F are directed to implementations of an electrical devicecharging system for charging the electrical device as it is enclosed.

FIGS. 17A-17H are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 18A-18D are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 19A-19F are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 20A-20B are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 21A-21G are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 22A-22M are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed.

FIGS. 23A-23H are directed to other implementations of an electricaldevice charging system for charging the electrical device as it isenclosed, and in particular using a 30-pin connector or the like, havingan O-ring to seal a charge port of the housing that encloses a chargingelectrical device.

FIGS. 24A-24C are directed to implementations of an electronic devicecharging system including a battery associated with a case that providesadditional energy storage capacity for an electronic device. FIG. 24D isdirected to a representative embodiment that includes a flash unitintegrated into a case.

FIGS. 25A-B are directed to imaging systems that include a case for anelectronic device having a camera and a lens that can be manuallyattached and detached from the case

FIGS. 26A-C are directed to embodiments of cases and water sealedconnectors that, when connected, result in a watertight seal thatinhibits entry of water or other liquids.

FIG. 27 is directed to an implementation of a waterproof microphone andcontroller.

FIGS. 28A-U are directed to embodiments of encasements that incorporatemount adapters, and locking mount members configured to interact withthe mount adapters.

FIGS. 29A-L are directed to embodiments of boss connection assemblyconfigured to interact with encasements that incorporate mount adapters.

FIGS. 30A-B depict embodiments of accessories that can utilize theintegral boss mount disclosed herein.

FIG. 31 is directed to an embodiment of a top member and bottom memberof an encasement that interact to form a waterproof seal.

FIGS. 32A-D are directed to an embodiment of a latching adapterconfigured to interact with the door of enclosures of the presentinvention.

FIG. 33A is directed to an embodiment of an encasement with a scanningregion to facilitate body part scanning by an enclosed mobile device.FIG. 33B is directed to an embodiment of an encasement with a scanningaperture to facilitate body part scanning by an enclosed mobile device.FIG. 33C depicts an embodiment of an encasement having a scanner regionthat is contiguous with an optically transparent region of a membrane.

FIG. 33D shows an encasement having a slidable lens assembly in thebottom member for use with a mobile device as a biometric scanner.

FIGS. 34A-C depict views and alternative embodiments of a card readerattachment.

FIG. 35 shows an earphone assembly with earphone plates attached toearbuds.

FIGS. 36A-D show side views of embodiments of encasement scanningapertures proximate a biometric scanner integrated into a home button ofan electronic device.

FIG. 36E shows a front elevation of a portion of an encasement housing amobile computing device. FIG. 36F shows a side cutaway view of theencasement and mobile computing device of FIG. 36E.

FIG. 36G shows a front elevation of a portion of an encasement housing amobile computing device, including a second flexible membrane. FIG. 36Hshows a side cutaway view of the encasement and mobile computing deviceof FIG. 36G.

FIG. 37A depicts a side cutaway view of a bung configured to be insertedinto a scanning aperture of an encasement. FIG. 37B shows a side cutawayview of the bung of FIG. 37A inserted into a scanning aperture of anencasement.

FIG. 38 shows a front elevation of an encasement having a sliding doorthat incorporates a sealed button bung.

FIG. 39 shows a perspective view of a hinged door incorporating a sealedbutton bung for sealing a scanning aperture in an encasement.

FIG. 40A shows an exploded perspective view of protective membranehaving a scanner aperture, configured to allow access to a biometricscanning function button of an electronic device. FIG. 40B shows a sidecutaway view of the protective membrane of FIG. 40A.

FIG. 40C shows a side cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of aprotective membrane having a sealing membrane adhered to a conductiveadhesive layer.

FIG. 40D shows a side cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of aprotective membrane having a sealing membrane adhered to a conductivelayer at the outer surface of the protective membrane.

FIG. 40E shows a side cutaway view of a protective membrane withconductive ink layers printed on the outer and inner surface of theprotective membrane.

FIG. 40F shows a side cutaway view of an embodiment of a protectivemembrane with via holes and conductive ink layers on the inner and outersurface of the protective membrane.

FIG. 40G shows a front elevation of a portion of a protective membranethat includes via holes, without a conductive ink layer.

FIGS. 41A-B show a front view of a housing for an electronic device,where the housing includes a biometric scanning portion covering abiometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 41C shows a front view of an electronic device beside a top memberof a housing, where a protective film (e.g. biometric scanning portion)is applied to a surface of the electronic device to cover a biometricscanner of the electronic device and provide a waterproof seal over thebiometric scanner.

FIG. 41D shows the components of FIG. 41C with the top member installedonto the electronic device, where the top member is adapted to provide awaterproof seal around a perimeter of an access opening in the topmember.

FIG. 41E shows a top member for a housing, where the housing includes amembrane and a biometric scanning portion adapted to cover a biometricscanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 41F shows a membrane for a housing for an electronic device, wherethe membrane includes a transparent biometric scanning portion adaptedto cover a biometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 41G shows a membrane for a housing for an electronic device, wherethe membrane includes an opaque biometric scanning portion adapted tocover a biometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 41H shows a membrane for a housing for an electronic device, wherethe membrane includes an opaque biometric scanning portion adapted tocover a biometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 42A shows a front perspective view of a housing for an electronicdevice, where the housing includes a threaded plug that covers an accessopening proximate a biometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 42B shows a partially exploded front perspective view of a housingfor an electronic device, where the housing includes a threaded plugthat covers an access opening proximate a biometric scanner of theelectronic device.

FIG. 42C shows a front view of a housing for an electronic device, wherethe housing includes a threaded plug that covers an access openingproximate a biometric scanner of the electronic device.

FIG. 42D shows a side cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 42Ctaken along Section A-A.

FIG. 42E shows a top perspective view of a threaded plug adapted toattach to a housing and cover a biometric scanner of an electronicdevice installed in the housing.

FIG. 42F shows a bottom perspective view of a threaded plug adapted toattach to a housing and cover a biometric scanner of an electronicdevice installed in the housing.

FIG. 42G shows a side view of a threaded plug adapted to attach to ahousing and cover a biometric scanner of an electronic device installedin the housing.

FIG. 42H shows a top view of a threaded plug adapted to attach to ahousing and cover a biometric scanner of an electronic device installedin the housing.

FIG. 42I shows a side cross-sectional view of the threaded plug of FIG.42H taken along Section B-B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for moreeasily transporting a housing of an object, such as a device and/or thecomponents thereof, as well as methods for using the same, in a mannerthat offers both protection for the device from adverse environmentalconditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage, such as fromcontacting a fluid, such as water, at the same time as increasing itsusability while being transported.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a device or asystem of devices for one or more of protecting, retaining, and/ortransporting an object, such as a device, for instance, an electronicdevice. In one embodiment, such as provided with respect to FIG. 1A, inits most basic form, a device of the disclosure may be configured as asled 1. The sled 1 may be adapted for retaining an object such as adevice. The sled may be adapted for retaining a device, such as anelectronic device, either directly and/or may be adapted for retainingan electronic device that has been housed within a housing such as aruggedized housing. The retaining sled 1 itself may then be adapted invarious manners so as to be easily transported in one or more of amultiplicity of ways.

Although, in one instance, a sled for retaining an electronic device isprovided, in various instances, the sled is adapted for retaining ahousing, which housing is adapted for housing the electronic device.Accordingly, for the purpose of clarity only, the description providedherein below is directed to a sled 1 that is configured for retaining ahousing 100 which housing is adapted for housing an electronic device110. However, it is understood that such description applies equallywell to the sled 1 being adapted for retaining the electronic device 110directly without the electronic device 110 first being fit within ahousing 100.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, an object, such as an electronicdevice, to be retained within a sled of the disclosure may be providedin conjunction with a housing, such as a waterproof and/or shockproofhousing. In such embodiments, the sled may be configured for interfacingwith and retaining the housing, which housing houses the electronicdevice. Such a housing, therefore, may be configured such that theelectronic device may be fitted within the housing, so as to beprotected thereby, and the sled may be configured for receiving andretaining the housing therein.

As the object to be retained, e.g., electronic device, may differ in itsconfiguration, e.g., form factor and/or function, so too theconfiguration of the sled may differ so as to accommodate the differentform factors and/or functions of the electronic device and/or housingsfor such electronic devices that are meant to be retained within thesled. A suitable electronic device for retention within the sled may be,for example, one or more of a mobile computing device, such as apersonal computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an electronicreader, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, and other suchelectronic devices and/or a combination of the same. In certaininstances, the object is a housing configured to house a device, such asan electronic device.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 1A, the sled 1 includes an elongatedmember 10 having a front surface 10 a and a back surface 10 b. Theelongated member 10 is circumscribed by a perimeter portion 12, whichperimeter portion includes a proximal portion 12 c and a distal portion12 d as well as first and second sides 12 a and 12 b, respectively.

The elongated member 10 is configured for interfacing with a surface ofan electronic device or a housing that is capable of housing theelectronic device. For instance, a front surface 10 a of the sled 1 isconfigured for interfacing with a front or back surface of an electronicdevice 100 or a housing 110 therefore and/or for supporting the same.For example, one or both of the elongated member 10 or the perimeterportion 12 are configured for supporting the electronic device 100 orhousing 110 while in the sled 1.

Accordingly, in certain instances, therefore, the sled 1 may include oneor more support elements, such as 16 or 30, for instance, positionedalong a perimeter portion 12 of the sled 1. The support members may haveany suitable configuration so long as they are capable of supportingand/or retaining the housing 110 and/or electronic device 100 within thesled 1. One or more support elements may be provided such as along oneor more perimeter edges and/or corners. For instance, as depicted, twosupporting elements 16 a and 16 b may be provided, such as at thecorners of the proximal portion 12 c of the elongated member 10, and/ortwo supporting elements 30 a and 30 b may be provided, such as at thecorners of a distal portion 12 d of the elongated member 10. In otherinstances, one or more sides or edges, e.g., 12 a or 12 b, of the sled 1may include suitable supporting or attachment elements.

The support element may have any suitable configuration so long as it iscapable of interacting with a housing 110 and/or electronic device 100and supporting and/or retaining the same within the sled 1. Forinstance, in certain embodiments, a suitable supporting element may beconfigured as a dead stop, such as 16 a and 16 b, and/or in otherinstances, suitable supporting elements, such as 30 a and 30 b, may beconfigured as a pocket. For example, in certain instances, a pluralityof sets of support members may be provided, such as at the proximal 12 cand/or distal 12 d corners of the sled 1, wherein some of the supportmembers are configured as hard stops, 16 a and 16 b, such as at theproximal 12 c corners, and some of the support members are configured aspockets, 30 a and 30 b, such as at the distal 12 d corners the supportmembers, or vice versa. Additional or alternative support members mayalso be provided, such as along one or more of the side edges 12 aand/or 12 b of the sled 1.

The sled 1 may further include at least one clasping mechanism 14 thatis configured for retaining and/or releasing an electronic device,and/or a case therefore, within the sled 1. Any suitable claspingmechanism may be employed so long as such clasping mechanism is capableof interfacing with a portion of the electronic device, and/or a housingtherefore, as well as the sled in such a manner that by said interactionthe electronic device and/or housing is retained within the sled 1. Theclasping mechanism may be positioned anywhere along the sled, and insome instances, is positioned along the perimeter portion, such as atthe proximal portion 12 c and/or the distal portion 12 d of theelongated member 10. In other instances, the clasping mechanism may bepositioned along one or more sides 12 a and/or 12 b of the elongatedmember 1.

Hence, in certain embodiments, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 1Band 1C a portion of the sled 1, such as the proximal portion 12 c, maybe configured for being coupled with a clasping mechanism, whichclasping mechanism functions to engage a device, such as an electronicdevice or a housing therefore, and thereby to retain the device withinthe sled 1. As depicted the proximal portion 12 c of the sled 1 isadapted so as to be functionally associated with a clasping mechanism14, which clasping mechanism 14 is configured for being coupled to adevice to be retained within the sled and is therefore configured formoving from a first clasped position to a second unclasped or releasedposition or vice versa.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 1B, the front side 10 a of the proximalportion 12 c of the elongated member 10 of the sled 1 of FIG. 1A isillustrated. The front surface 10 a of the sled 1 includes a cavity intowhich the clasping mechanism 14 is fitted. This cavity is useful in thatit allows for a smooth, flat interface between the top surface 10 a ofthe elongated member 10 and the contacting surface of the electronicdevice and/or housing to be retained by the sled 1 despite the presenceof the clasping mechanism 14 within the cavity.

Additionally, FIG. 1B provides a view of the back side 10 b of theproximal portion 12 c of the elongated member 10 of the sled 1 of FIG.1B. The back surface 10 b of the sled 1 includes an extended portionthat forms the boundaries of the cavity into which the claspingmechanism 14 is fitted. This extended portion is useful in that itallows for the smooth, flat interface between the top surface of thesled and the contacting surface of the device to be retained by the sled1, e.g., despite the presence of the clasping mechanism and/or thelocking member within the cavity.

Accordingly, in this instance, the proximal portion 12 c includes acavity configured for receiving one or more of the elements thattogether form the clasping mechanism 14. The clasping mechanism 14 isconfigured for being fit within the cavity and therein is adapted forbeing capable of movingly engaging a device so as to retain the devicewithin or to release and/or eject the device from the sled. In thisconfiguration, to effectuate these purposes, the clasping mechanism 14is configured for rotating from a first position to a second position,whereby a device to be retained may be engaged within and/or releasedfrom the sled. In certain instances, it may be useful to lock theclasping mechanism in a released or a retained position. Therefore, thecavity of the proximal portion of the sled and/or the clasping mechanismmay further be configured for being coupled to a locking element aswell.

Accordingly, the cavity of the proximal portion 12 c of the sled 1 maybe configured for interfacing with a locking element 15, which lockingelement 15 is adapted for interacting with the clasping mechanism 14within the cavity so as to lock the clasping mechanism 14 in the claspedor released position. For instance, the cavity may include an opening 14a into which the locking element 15 may be fitted so as to engage one ormore portions of the clasping mechanism 14 thereby effectuating thelocking or the releasing of the clasping mechanism 12. For example, thelocking element 15 is configured for being fit through the opening 14 aof the proximal portion 12 c of the sled 1 and into a portion of thecavity wherein it couples to one or both of the sled 1 and the claspingmechanism 14. Within the cavity, the locking element 15 is capable ofmoving proximally and distally such as from an unlocked to a lockedposition.

More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 1B, for effectuating theinteraction, e.g., locking, of the locking element 15 with the claspingmechanism 14, the clasping mechanism cavity may include one or more,e.g., a plurality, of locking member stops 14 b and/or 14 c that arepositioned on opposite sides of the opening 14 a and configured forengaging the locking element 15. For instance, a portion of the lockingelement 15 impinges through the opening 14 a and into the cavity. In thecavity the locking element 15 is capable of moving, e.g., laterally, soas to engage one or both of the clasping member 14 and/or the lockingmember stops 14 b and/or 14 c within the cavity of the sled 1 in amanner sufficient to lock the clasping mechanism 14 in a lockedposition.

For instance, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 1C, the cavityincludes an opening 14 a through which a portion of the locking member15 is fitted so as to interface with a corresponding portion of theclasping member 14. Also depicted are the locking member stops 14 b and14 c, which stops function to stop the movement of the locking member 15within the cavity once in a locked position. The cavity is furtherbounded by a plurality of opposing stop posts, which stop posts functionto further effectuate the locking of the clasping mechanism 14 such asby engaging a locking portion of the locking member 15 and preventingmovement of the locking member 15 in a manner that is normal to theplane of the cavity. For example, as the locking member 15 moves withinthe cavity into a locked position it contacts the locking member stops14 b and 14 c, which stops act to prevent the further movement of thelocking member 15. The locking member stops 14 a and 14 b and acorresponding feature of the clasping mechanism 14 are adapted forinterfacing with a corresponding surface on the locking member 15 as thelocking member 15 moves distally from an unlocked to a locked position,thereby locking the clasping mechanism into a fixed, e.g., retainedposition.

Also depicted are support members, e.g., dead stops, 16 a and 16 bpositioned at the corners of the perimeter portion of the elongatedmember 10 as well as a camera aperture 18, which camera aperture ispositioned so as to be aligned with a corresponding camera portion of aretained electronic device or housing therefore.

As described above, a clasping mechanism for use in conjunction with theelongated member and/or support members of the sled for retaining anelectronic device and/or housing therefore may have any suitableconfiguration so long as it is capable of functioning to retain thedevice within the sled. The clasping mechanism may be integral to thesled or it may be a separate element to be coupled to the sled, such asby clipping thereto. For instance, a suitable clasping mechanism may bean external clip, clamp, band or fastener, such as a hook and loopfastener, or adhesive, a combination of the same and the like that is aseparate unit from but added to the sled.

An alternative embodiment of sled 1 is depicted in FIGS. 1D-1I. FIG. 1Ddepicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of sled 1, includingextended portion 10, a proximal portion 12 c, distal portion 12 d, frontsurface 10 a, pockets 16 a and 16 b, supporting elements 30 a and 30 b,clasping mechanism 14, camera aperture 18, and cutout portions 32 a and32 b positioned on the front surface near the supporting elements 30 aand 30 b, which cutout portions function for transmitting sound toand/or away from a retained device. The pockets 16 a or 16 b are presentin some embodiments to help secure the housing to the sled 1. Likewise,the supporting elements 30 a and 30 b can be present in certainembodiments. These supporting elements 30 a and 30 b allow access to thespeakers of the electronic device while allowing the housing encasingthe electronic device to be secured to the sled 1. Also, the cutoutportions 32 a and 32 b are present in certain embodiments to improvesound transmission from the encased portable electronic device throughthe housing and the sled 1.

In certain embodiments, clasp retaining elements 14 o and 14 p shown inFIG. 1D, can be used to mate with an alternative embodiment of aclasping element described below and shown in FIGS. 2H-2J. FIG. 1E showsa front view of the proximal portion 12 c of the alternative embodimentof sled 1 in FIG. 1D, including the clasping mechanism 14, pockets 16 aand 16 b, and camera aperture 18. The camera aperture 18 can be anyshape as long as it allows a camera on an electronic device encased in ahousing secured to the sled, access to take pictures or video. Thecamera aperture can be an oval as show in FIG. 1D, but it can also be acircle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, trapezoid or 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more sided aperture.

FIG. 1F shows a rear view of the proximal portion 12 c of thealternative embodiment of sled 1 in FIG. 1D, including the rear surface10 b and cutaway portion 14 q that allows for attachment of a claspingelement (clasping element described below and shown in FIGS. 2H-2J), andcamera aperture 18. FIG. 1G shows a front view of the distal portion 12d of the alternative embodiment of sled 1 in FIG. 1D, including frontsurface 10 a, supporting elements 30 a and 30 b, and cutout portions 32a and 32 b. The supporting elements 30 a and 30 b can be any shape aslong as they hold the housing for an electronic device securely to thesled while allowing access to the sound apertures in the housing so thatsound can be transmitted through the housing and allow for access to thedoor at the proximal end of the housing for accessing the power and dataports of the portable electronic device.

FIG. 1H shows a rear view of the rear surface 10 b of the distal portion12 d, including cutout portions 32 a and 32 b. FIG. 1I shows a side viewof an alternative embodiment of sled 1 (as shown in FIG. 1D), includingpocket 16 b, supporting element 30 b, supporting element cutout 30 d,and clasp retaining element 14 o. The elongated element 10 is curvedslightly, such that when a case containing an electronic device isinserted into the sled, the elongated element curves away from the bodyof the case. Element cut out 30 d can be any shape that allows fortransmission of sound through the housing secured in the sled. Thecurvature of the elongated member of the sled is configured to aid inthe removal of a case from the sled. In addition, the curvature of theelongated member improves retention of a case coupled with the sled, asthe force retaining the case in the sled is concentrated at the fourcorners of the sled, hard stops 16 a and 16 b (hard stop 16 a notshown), and supporting elements 30 a and 30 b (supporting element 30 anot shown). The curvature of the sled also improves shock resistance ofthe sled, as it allows the sled to flex if dropped or struck.

As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, the clasping mechanism 14 is an internalclasping mechanism that is configured for being integral with the sled1. The clasping mechanism 14 is configured so as to include a lockingand/or ejection portion 14 e as well as a retaining portion 14 d, whichportions are joined together at a junction portion 14 g so as to form an“L” shape. For instance, the locking and/or ejection portion forms thebase of the “L” shape and is adapted so as to be fit within the cavityof the sled 1. The retaining portion 14 d forms the extended portion ofthe “L” shape, which portion extends away from the plane of the surface10 a of the elongated member 10. The retaining portion 14 d ends in aretaining element or catch 14 f, which retaining catch is configured forcontacting a top surface of the electronic device or housing thereforeand retaining the same within the bounds of the sled 1.

The clasping mechanism 14 is configured for moving from a first, e.g.,retained, position to a second, release, position such as by rotatingwith respect to the plane of the top surface 10 a of the elongatedmember 10 a. For example, the junction 14 g where the retaining portion14 d meets the ejection portion 14 e may include an axle orifice throughwhich an axle, such as a pin, may be fit. Such axle may function notonly to join the clasping mechanism 14 to the sled 1, but may alsofunction as a pivot point about which the clasping mechanism 14 rotates.

Specifically, in the retained position, the catch 14 f of the claspingmechanism 14 is engaged with a top surface of a retained device, e.g.,electronic device, housing device, or other object, and functions toretain the device, within the sled 1. When ejection of the device fromthe sled 1 is desired, a releasing pressure is applied to the catch 14 fso as to disengage the catch 14 f from the top surface of the device.Such force causes the retaining portion 14 d to rotate backwards, whichrotation further causes the ejection portion 14 e to rotate upwards outof the cavity away from the plane of the top surface 10 a of theelongated member 10 and against the bottom surface of the retaineddevice thereby assisting in the effectuation of the ejection of thedevice.

In certain instances, it may be desired that the clasping mechanism 14be locked so as to prevent its rotation and thereby prevent the ejectionof the retained device from the sled 1. Accordingly, as described above,the proximal portion 12 c of the sled and/or the clasping mechanism 14may be configured for interacting with the locking element 15 so as tobe locked into place, e.g., within the cavity of the sled 1. The lockingelement may have any suitable configuration so long as it is capable ofinteracting with one or both of the sled and the clasping mechanism soas to lock the clasping mechanism in an engaged and/or releasedposition.

Consequently, the proximal portion 12 c of the sled 1 may have anopening 14 a and the locking and ejection portion 14 e of the claspingmechanism 14 may include a corresponding locking aperture 14 h throughwhich a portion of a locking element 15 may be fitted. Additionally, toeffectuate the locking of the clasping mechanism 12, such as in anengaged position, the cavity of the sled 1 may include one or bothlocking element stops 14 b and 14 c as well as one or more opposing stopposts, which stops function to further effectuate the locking of theclasping mechanism 14 such as by engaging corresponding portions of thelocking element 15 and/or clasping mechanism 14.

For instance, the clasping mechanism 14 may include a locking engagementelement 14 i, which engagement element 14 i is adapted for engaging aportion of the locking element 15 in such a manner that when engaged thelocking element 15 prevents the clasping mechanism 14 from rotatingthereby preventing the disengagement of the catch 14 d from the retaineddevice, e.g., from a top surface of the retained device, and theejection of the same. Further, one or both of the locking element stopsand/or stop posts are configured for engaging a portion of the lockingelement 15 to additionally ensure the locking of the clasping mechanism.

FIGS. 2C and 2D depict a locking element of the disclosure. As describedabove, the sled 1 of the disclosure, e.g., a proximal portion thereof,may be configured so as to include a locking element 15. For instance,the sled 1 includes a proximal portion 12 c having a front surface 10 a,in which a cavity for receiving a clasping mechanism 14 is positioned,and having a back surface 10 b, in which an extended structure adaptedto receive a locking mechanism 15 is positioned. The cavity includes anopening through which a portion of the locking element 15 may be fitted.Consequently, the locking element 15 includes a portion that isconfigured for being inserted through the opening in the cavity andadditionally through the locking aperture 14 a so as to couple to aportion of the clasping mechanism 14 and thereby being able to lockand/or release the clasping mechanism 14.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 2C and 2D, toeffectuate the locking of the clasping mechanism 14, the locking element15 includes a top portion 15 a, in this instance, having a grippingfeature, and a bottom portion 15 b, in this instance, having an extendedengagement portion 15 d, which extended engagement portion 15 d includesa locking groove 15 c. The extended engagement portion 15 d isconfigured for being inserted through the opening 14 a of the sled 1,and further configured for extending through the locking aperture 14 hof the clasping mechanism 14.

The extended engagement portion 15 d further includes a locking groove15 c, which groove is configured for being coupled with one or more of:the locking member stops 14 b and 14 c, which function to stop themovement of the locking member 15 within the cavity once in a lockedposition; stop posts, which function to effectuate the locking of theclasping mechanism by engaging the locking groove 15 c of locking member15; and the locking engagement element 14 i of the clasping mechanism14, which locking engagement element 14 i functions for engaging thelocking groove 15 c of the locking element 15, thereby locking theclasping mechanism in a fixed position.

For example, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 2E to 2G, the lockingelement 15 is configured for being coupled to the clasping mechanism 14,e.g., by being fit through the opening 14 a of the cavity. Specifically,the extended engagement portion 15 d of the locking element 15 isconfigured for being inserted through the opening 14 a of the sled 1,and further configured for extending through the locking aperture 14 hof the clasping mechanism 14. The extended engagement portion 15 dfurther includes a locking groove 15 c which groove is capable of beingengaged with one or both of a corresponding locking post stop, withinthe cavity, and/or the locking engagement element 14 i of the claspingmechanism 14, which engagements function for locking the claspingmechanism in a fixed position, e.g., by the distal translation of thelocking element 15, within the back surface 10 b boundaries of thechannel.

FIG. 2E depicts the clasping mechanism 14 and the locking element 15prior to being coupled together (without the intervention of the sled1). FIG. 2F depicts the clasping mechanism 14 and the locking element 15in the process of being coupled together. FIG. 2G depicts the claspingmechanism 14 and the locking element 15 after having been coupledtogether. Additionally, FIG. 2G depicts the clasping mechanism 14 andthe locking element 15 after being coupled together.

For instance, FIG. 1B provides a depiction of a top surface 10 a of theproximal portion 12 c of a sled 1 of the disclosure. The proximalportion 12 c is configured to include a cavity into which a claspingmechanism 14 is inserted. A back surface 10 b of the cavity includes anopening 14 a through which an extended portion 15 d of a locking elementextends. The extended portion 15 d not only extends through the opening14 a but further it extends through an opening 14 h positioned in thelocking and engaging portion 14 e of the clasping mechanism 14. In thisposition, the locking element 15 may be slid, e.g., downward from areleased to a locked position.

For example, an electronic device and/or a housing therefore may beinserted into the sled 1. In order to accomplish this, the engagementportion 14 e of the clasping mechanism 14 may be moved freely upwards,e.g., rotated, away from the top surface 10 a of the elongated member10, thereby allowing a space to be created into which the device may befitted. The clasping mechanism 14 may additionally include a biasingmember 14 j, e.g., a spring, that biases the clasping mechanism 14 intoan engaged position such that once the clasping mechanism 14 has beenrotated backwards allowing a device to be inserted into the sled 1, thebiasing member 14 j biases the clasping mechanism 14 such that itreturns clasping mechanism back to its rest, e.g., engaged, position,whereby the inserted device is capable of being retained within the sled1. The biasing member 14 j may be coupled to both the sled 1 and theclasping member 14 by any suitable mechanism, such as by a pin 14 k (seeFIG. 4H, for example) that extends from one side of the cavity, througha retaining element aperture 14 l in the clasping mechanism 14 and thebiasing member 14 j, to the other side of the cavity, where the pin 14 kis further received within corresponding apertures within the bounds ofthe cavity.

It is to be noted that given the “L” shaped configuration of theclasping mechanism 14, as the engagement portion 14 extends away fromthe sled 1, such as in releasing a retained device, the ejection portion14 also moves away from the cavity and top surface 10 a of the elongatedmember 10 not only engaging a surface, e.g., back or front surface(depending on how the device is inserted into the sled, but alsoapplying a force, e.g., an ejecting force, to the inserted devicethereby in assisting in its ejection from the sled.

Further, in certain instances, it may be desirable to prevent suchejection, and therefore, in certain instances, the clasping mechanism 14may be removably coupled to a locking element 15, as described above,which locking element 15 is capable of moving from a released position,such as where the locking element 15 is not coupled to the claspingmechanism 14, to a locked position, wherein the locking element 15 isengaged with and/or coupled to the clasping mechanism 14, therebylocking the clasping mechanism 14 in place. The locking element 15, forinstance, may be configured such that as it moves into couplingalignment with the clasping mechanism 14, the locking groove 15 c slidesover the locking engagement element 14 i of the clasping mechanism 14and may further contact the locking member stops, 14 b and 14 c, and/orthe stop posts, thereby locking the clasping mechanism in a fixedposition.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 2A-M in variousinstances, the sled 1 may include a clasping mechanism 14, such as atits proximal portion 12 c, which clasping mechanism 14 may include oneor both of a moveable retaining 14 d and/or ejecting element 14 e aswell as a locking element 15. The retaining portion 14 d may include aretaining element 14 f that includes a hook or catch interface, whichcatch interface is adapted for engaging a retaining surface, e.g., a topor bottom surface, of an electronic device or housing therefore, therebyretaining the electronic device within the sled.

The clasping mechanism 14 may additionally include an ejection portion14 h, which ejection portion may further include a switch receivinginterface, e.g., an opening configured for receiving an extended portionof the locking mechanism 15 there through. Hence, the clasping mechanism14 may include two legs 14 d and 14 e that are joined at a joint 14 g soas to from an “L” shape, wherein one leg comprises the retaining portionand one leg comprises an ejection and/or lock receiving portion.

The retaining 14 d and ejection 14 e portions may therefore be coupledtogether by a joint 14 g, which joint may include an axle aperture 14 kthat is configured for receiving a retaining element 14 i, e.g., an axleor pin, there through, which axle 14 i functions to couple the claspingmechanism 14 to the elongated member 10 of the sled 1. The claspingmechanism 14, therefore, is configured for rotating about the axleelement 14 i, e.g., with respect to the stationary elongated member 10.The rotation of the retaining and ejecting portions about the pin from afirst position to a second position allows for the insertion of anelectronic device into the sled. Additionally, the rotation back fromthe second position to the first position results in the engagement ofthe hook interface 14 f of the retaining portion 14 d with a retainingsurface of the device and retention of the device within the sled 1.

Once the device is engaged with the hook portion 14 f and retainedwithin the sled 1, rotation of the retaining element 14 d about the axle14 g results in the disengagement of the hook portion from the retainingsurface of the device, and engagement of the ejecting portion with anejection surface of the device, which continued rotation results in theejection of the device form the sled 1 by the movement of the ejectionelement 14 e away from the top surface 10 a of the sled 1. The claspingmechanism 14 may further include a biasing, e.g., a spring, element 14h, that is configured for biasing the rotating retaining portion in thefirst, e.g., engaged position. The biasing element 14 h therefore may befunctionally associated with both the axle 14 g and the retainingportion 14 f so as to bias the retaining portion in the engagedposition.

Additionally, as indicated above, in certain instances it may be usefulto lock the clasping mechanism in place and in such instances a lockingmechanism may be included as part of the sled. Although the lockingmechanism may have any suitable configuration, so long as it is capableof locking the device into the sled thereby preventing the removing ofit there from, in certain instances, the locking mechanism is an elementthat functions to lock the clasping mechanism in the engaged position.Accordingly, in certain instances, the sled 1 includes a locking elementthat is configured for engaging the clasping mechanism, which lockingelement is configured for preventing the movement of the retainingand/or ejection element in place thereby locking the clasping mechanismin place, such as in the retained position.

In certain instances the locking element includes a sliding latchmember. The sliding latch member includes an elongated member having afront and a back surface, wherein the front surface may include agripping feature, and the back surface includes an extended portion,extending away from the back surface, and a latching element, such as alocking groove, or the like, which latching element is configured forinterfacing with a portion of the clasping mechanism so as to lock theclasping mechanism in place. For instance, where the clasping mechanismincludes a retaining portion and an ejection portion, e.g., coupled at ajunction portion, the ejection portion may include a switch interface,such as an extended rail member configured to be fit within the lockinggroove, that when engaged with the latching element prevents theclasping mechanism from moving thereby locking the retained devicewithin the sled.

As indicated above, the perimeter portion 12 of the sled 1 may includeone or more support elements, which support elements may be adapted forsupporting the electronic device, or housing therefore, within the sled.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the perimeter portion 12 includes aplurality of support elements positioned on one or both of the proximal12 c and/or distal 12 d portions of the elongated member 10, such as atthe corners of the elongated member 10. For instance, as can be seenwith respect to FIG. 1A, the sled 1 may include a plurality of supportelements, such as support elements 16 a and 16 b positioned at thecorner of the proximal portion 12 c.

As described above, a support element, such as support elements 16 a and16 b, may have any suitable configuration so long as it is capable ofengaging a portion of the device to be retained and supporting the samewithin the sled. As depicted, support elements 16 a and 16 b areconfigured as dead stops, each of which dead stop engages a corner ofthe device, and thereby supports the device within the sled. The deadstop may engage the entire proximal or distal portion, an entire cornerregion, or substantial portions thereof, and likewise the supportelement may circumscribe the entire corner region or a substantialportion thereof. As depicted, the dead stops 16 a and 16 b engage asubstantial portion of the corner regions of the proximal portion 12 cso as to form an edge that curves around the corner portion of the sled1 and thereby supports an end portion of the device to be retained.

In an alternative embodiment of a clasping mechanism, the lockingelement is inserted through the top of a clasping element and both thelocking element and clasping element are mated to the sled. FIG. 2Hshows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a claspingelement 14. The clasping element 14 has two clasp alignment elements 14l and 14 m that allow the clasping element to be attached to theproximal portion 12 c between the clasp retaining elements 14 o and 14 pand over cutaway portion 14 q (e.g. see FIG. 1F). The clasping element14 also has a locking aperture 14 h, retaining portion 14 d, and catchor retaining element 14 f. FIG. 2I shows a side view of clasping element14, with clasp alignment element 14 l, retaining portion 14 d, and catchor retaining element 14 f FIG. 2J shows a bottom view of claspingelement 14, with clasp alignment elements 14 l and 14 m, lockingaperture 14 h, retaining portion 14 d, and catch or retaining element 14f. FIG. 2K shows a perspective view of a locking element 15 thatattaches to the clasping element 14 (shown in FIGS. 2H-2J) and the sledof FIG. 1D. The locking element 15 includes a top portion 15 a, anextended engagement portion 15 d, and clasp alignment recesses 15 e and15 f (not shown). The extended engagement portion 15 d of lockingelement 15 is inserted through the locking aperture 14 h of claspingelement 14, and the combination of the locking element 15 and claspingelement 14 is fit over the proximal portion 12 c of the sled 1, suchthat clasp alignment elements 14 l and 14 m are in between claspretaining elements 14 o and 14 p and over cutaway portion 14 q.

In this assembled configuration, the retaining portion 14 d extendsperpendicular to the elongated element 10 such that a case inserted intothe sled 1 is held in place by the retaining portion 14 d and catch 14f. In certain embodiments, locking element 15 can be slid along the axisdefined by the two clasp retaining elements by applying lateral pressureon the top portion 15 a of locking element 15 and sliding the lockingelement back and forth. When the locking element 15 is slid in onedirection, for example, to the right, towards clasp retaining element 14p, the locking element is unlocked from the sled and can be removed fromthe locking mechanism. When the locking element is slid in the otherdirection, for example, to the left, towards clasp retaining element 14o, the locking mechanism is locked in place and cannot be removed fromthe locking mechanism without sliding the locking element to the right.Clasping element 14 also has a locking indicator element 14 r. Whenlocking element 15 is attached to clasping element 14 and slid to theright, locking indicator element is visible and indicates to a user thatthe locking mechanism is not locked. The locking indicator element ispreferably a different color from the locking element and claspingelements. For example, the locking indicator element may be red, orange,green, blue, white, black, purple or pink.

FIG. 2L shows a front view of locking element 15, including top portion15 a, extended engagement portion 15 d. Top portion 15 a includeshandling grooves 15 g, 15 h, and 15 i that allow a user to apply lateralforce and slide locking element back and forth. In some embodiments oflocking element 15, handling grooves 15 g-i are replaced with one ormore ridges that extend upwards beyond the top portion 15 a. FIG. 2M isa side view of locking element 15, including top portion 15 a, andextended engagement portion 15 d.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide another configuration of a support element ofthe disclosure. In this instance, the support element is configured as aplurality of pockets 30 a and 30 b positioned at the corners of thedistal portion 12 d of the elongated member 10. As depicted, the supportpockets 30 a and 30 b are configured as cups that engage the entireportion of the corner region of the distal portion 12 d so as to form apocket that curves around the corner portion of the sled 1 and therebysupport an end portion of the device to be retained. In this instance,there is a gap between the two support pockets 30 a and 30 b. This gapmay be useful for allowing access to a portion of a retained device,such as a port portion of the retained device.

The gap can be of any suitable size and/or dimension, such as of a sizeand dimension so as to allow a port of a retained device to be accessed,such as a charge port, which charge port may be accessed directly orthrough a charge port door positioned in a housing in which anelectronic device is contained. Accordingly, in certain instances, aplurality of support elements are positioned at the corners of thedistal portion of the sled, wherein there is a gap between the twosupport elements, which gap is of a size so as to allow a charge port tobe accessed by a charge interface of a charger for an electronic devicewhen the device is retained within the sled. For instance, the gap is ofa size so as to allow a charge port of a retained electronic device tobe functionally accessed by a portion of a charger that is capable ofbeing inserted between the support elements so as to interface with theretained device and be charged thereby.

It is to be understood that as depicted a plurality of supports arepositioned on the corners of the sled, however, in various instances,the supports may extend along the entire proximal and/or distal portionsor simply cover one or two corners of the device. For instance, the sledmay include a plurality of support elements, such as at least one of theplurality of support elements is positioned at a corner of the proximalportion and at least one of the plurality of support elements ispositioned at a corner of the distal portion. In other instances, asupport element is positioned at each of the corners of the sled. Inother instances, the support elements circumscribe the entire distaland/or proximal and/or side portions.

In various instances, one or more of the support elements mayadditionally include one or more functional features, such as one ormore aperture or cutout features. For instance, as can be seen withrespect to FIG. 3A, the support elements 30 a and 30 b may include acutout portion 34 a and 34 b. Such a cutout portion may have anyconfiguration, however, in certain instances, the cutout portion is of asize, shape, and dimension that is capable of transmitting sound towardor away from a retained device. Accordingly, in such instances, theapertures may be positioned so as to align with a speaker or microphoneportion of a retained device. In this embodiment, the cutout apertures34 a and 34 b are positioned on a top surface of the pockets 30 a and 30b.

Further, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 3B, in certain instances,the pockets 30 a and 30 b may include cutout portions 32 a and 32 bpositioned on a side surface of the pockets, which cutout portionsfunction for transmitting sound to and/or away from a retained device.It is noted that although the depicted pockets 30 a and 30 b include twosets of pockets, in various instances, the pockets may not include anycutout portions, one, two, three, or more cutout portions and/or thepockets and/or cutout portions may have a different configuration asthat embodied with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In certain instances, it may be useful for the sled to include one ormore attachment elements. For instance, the sled 1 may include aninterface that is configured for allowing the sled to be coupled to anattachment element, such as a utility element that further allows thesled to function in a particular useful way. For example, in variousembodiments, the sled is configured for receiving a utility attachment.

Accordingly, the sled may be adapted for being coupled to a utilitymember such as a belt clip member, a bike clip member, an armbandmember, a universal mounting member, a car mounting system, a windshieldmounting system, an external or internal battery charging system, asolar panel system, an external speaker system, and the like. Forinstance, a portion of the sled may be configured for being removably ornon-removably coupled to one or more utility members the coupling ofwhich converts the sled into one or more accessories for use with anelectronic device or a housing therefore, more specifically for use intransporting and/or using an electronic device during transportation. Incertain embodiments, the one or more accessory attachments may beinterchangeable with the sled making the sled and attachments aninterchangeable system, in other embodiments, once an attachment iscoupled to the sled it is coupled in a non-removable fashion.

Although the sled 1 may be coupled to a utility attachment in anysuitable manner that allows for said coupling, FIGS. 4A-4C provide aparticular exemplary embodiment of a mechanism for coupling the sled 1with a plurality of utility attachments. For instance, FIG. 4A providesa depiction of an attachment aperture 20 of the sled 1, which attachmentaperture 20 is configured for receiving a portion of a utilityattachment and being coupled therewith. In this embodiment, theattachment aperture 20 of the sled is configured as a circular aperture,however, the shape and the size of the aperture may differ so long as itis capable of facilitating the coupling of the sled 1 with the utilityattachment.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that although the descriptionsherein provide an exemplified manner in which the utility attachment isto be coupled to the sled 1 via the attachment aperture 20, theparticular coupling mechanism employed may differ from that set forthherein in many various suitable manners. For instance, in variousinstances, a utility attachment as herein described may be coupled to asled through a corresponding bolt or screw-like interface, as depictedin FIG. 9A, a corresponding hinge interface, also depicted in FIG. 9E, acorresponding clip interface, a differently configured snap interface,an adhesive interface, a hook and loop interface, a bolt or rivetinterface, a slide and catch interface, and the like.

As depicted in FIG. 4B, the sled includes an attachment aperture 20,which aperture 20 is configured for receiving a snap interface 25 of autility attachment. This particular attachment aperture 20 includes asnap-tooth receptacle portion 20 b, configured for receiving a portionof a snap 25 therein, such as snap teeth 26. Additionally, theattachment aperture 20 includes an attachment ledge 20 c which ledge 20c is configured for engaging a portion of a snap interface 25 so as toprevent the snap interface 25 from being removed from the aperture onceinserted therein and coupled thereto.

For instance, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 4B, a utilityattachment to be coupled to the sled 1 may include a snap-toothinterface 25, which snap-tooth interface includes one or more teeth 26,each of which teeth may include an attachment ledge interface 27, whichledge interface 27 is configured for being coupled to the attachmentledge 20 c in either a removable or non-removable manner.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 4B, the snap-tooth interface 25includes a plurality of snap-teeth, such as 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, and 26 d,each of which snap-teeth includes an attachment ledge interface 27 a, 27b, 27 c, and 27 d that is configured for being coupled to the attachmentledge 20 c. Specifically, each tooth member 26 may be fabricated so asto be at least partially flexible such that as the tooth portion 26 ofthe snap-tooth interface 25 is inserted into the attachment aperture 20,the tooth body flexes and/or otherwise bends inwards toward the centerof the snap-tooth interface such that the attachment ledge interface 27moves from a first, rest position to a second retracted position whilebeing inserted, and once completely inserted the snap-tooth body snapsback into its first, rest position and in such process the snap-toothledge interface 27 couples to the ledge 20 c thereby preventing thesnap-tooth interface 25, and the utility attachment having saidinterface 25 from being removed from the sled 1 while the teeth ledgeinterfaces 27 are engaged with the ledge 20 c.

The snap-tooth interface 25 may be configured to be moveable and/orremovable or may be configured for being stationary and non-removable.For instance, as depicted in FIG. 4B, the teeth 26 of the snap-toothinterface 25 can be decoupled from the ledge 20 c by applying inwardpressure against the teeth 26 thereby causing the ledge interface 27 towithdraw from its engagement from the ledge 20 c and thereby allowingthe attachment to be decoupled from the sled 1. Such inward force may beapplied by the fingers or other such tool. Further, the teeth 26 arecapable of being moved circumferentially around the aperture 20 so as tochange the orientation of the utility attachment.

However, if desired, the teeth can be permanently fixed by the additionof an adhesive and/or by preventing the inward movement of the teethonce coupled to the ledge 20 c. In certain embodiments, a furtherattachment, e.g., a snap-interface cap 19, may be provided, wherein thecap 19 is capable of attaching to a front surface of the elongatedmember 10 a at the attachment aperture 20 a, such as by attaching to theteeth 26 of the snap-tooth interface 25.

For instance, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 4C, a cap 19 mayinclude one or more snap-tooth attachment elements, e.g., 19 c, 19 d, 19e, and 19 f that are configured for being coupled to one or more of theteeth 26 of the interface 25. Such a cap 19 may include a top surface 19a and a bottom surface 19 b having one or more tooth attachmentelements. The cap 19 may serve one or more of a number of functions; thecap covers the aperture 20 so as to make the front surface 10 a of theelongated member 10 smooth, flat and/or planar. Further, it can preventaccess to the snap-teeth 26, thereby preventing their removal, e.g.,movement planar to elongated member 10, but not preventing theirmovement, e.g., circumferentially within the aperture 20. Additionally,it can be configured to prevent circumferential movement of the teeth26, such as by being locked into place within the aperture 20, such asby an adhesive, having an additional groove or receptacle and extendedcatch configuration, and the like. FIG. 4D provides a top surface 19 aof the cap 19 of FIG. 4B.

As depicted, the teeth 26 of the snap-tooth interface 25 are configuredfor being inserted into the aperture 20 and being coupled thereto, andyet moveable, e.g. circumferentially, therein, so as to allow a utilityattachment element having the snap tooth interface 25 positioned thereonto change its orientation. Accordingly, the attachment aperture 20 onthe front 10 a or back surface 10 b of the elongated member 10 mayfurther have a configuration adapted to modulate this movement.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 4E, a surface of the elongatedmember 10, such as that surrounding the aperture 20 may includearticulating members 22, which members are adapted to modulate therotation of the interface 25 circumferentially within the aperture 20 soas to modulate the orientation of an associated accessory containing thesnap-tooth interface 25. In a manner such as this the position of autility attachment may be changed with respect to the elongated member.A suitable articulating member 22 may have any suitable configuration solong as it is capable of modulating the movements of the utilityattachment with respect to the elongated member. However, in thisembodiment, the articulating members include a plurality of raisedblocks 22 a that surround the aperture 20, have a height indicated by 22b and are separated from one another by troughs 22 c. Also included arehome articulating members 22 d and 22 e which are positioned on asurface of the elongated member 10 so as to orientate a utilityattachment in a home position, such as a position wherein an elongatedplane of the utility attachment is parallel to a corresponding elongatedplane of the elongated member 10.

FIG. 4F depicts a sled 1 of the disclosure having a utility attachmentcoupled thereto via the association of a snap-tooth interface 25 with anattachment aperture 20. As can be seen, the snap-teeth 26 are affixedwithin the aperture 20 by the coupling of the snap-tooth ledge interface27 with the attachment ledge 20 c. FIG. 4F depicts the sled 1 withoutthe snap-tooth cover 25 coupled thereto, and FIG. 4G depicts the sled 1with the snap-tooth cover 25 associated with the snap-teeth 26 and thefront surface 10 a of the elongated member 10 of the sled 1. Alsodepicted are the dead stops 16 a and 16 b, the clasping mechanism 14,and camera orifice 18, as well as distal portion pockets 30 a and 30 b.FIG. 4H depicts a front view of a sled 1 with a snap interface cap 19attached at the attachment aperture 20 a (not shown).

FIG. 4I provides an alternative embodiment of sled 1 of the disclosurewithout a snap tooth cover 25 applied, wherein the proximal and distalportions of the sled are configured as shown in FIGS. 1D-1I. FIG. 4Ishows a rear view of the rear surface 10 b of sled 1, includingelongated member 10, locking mechanism 14, clasp retaining elements 14 oand 14 p, camera aperture 18, raised blocks 22 a, height 22 b, troughs22 c, home articulating members 22 d and 22 e, and cutout portions 32 aand 32 b. FIG. 4J is a perspective view of the rear surface 10 b of sled1, including raised blocks 22 a, troughs 22 c, and home articulatingmembers 22 d and 22 e. In certain embodiments, the raised blocks 22 aand troughs 22 c allow for the space interface cap or any apparatusattached to such a cap to be rotated in relation to the sled and held atvarious angles to the sled based on the positioning of the troughs 22 c.

FIG. 4K is a perspective view of the front surface 10 a of analternative embodiment of sled 1, as configured in FIG. 1D. The sledincludes including extended portion 10, a proximal portion 12 c, distalportion 12 d, front surface 10 a, pockets 16 a and 16 b, supportingelements 30 a and 30 b, supporting element cutouts 30 c and 30 d, claspretaining elements 14 o and 14 p, camera aperture 18, cutout portions 32a and 32 b, and snap interface 25. FIG. 4L is a perspective view of thefront surface 10 a of a sled 1, including a snap interface 25. The snapinterface 25 includes a snap aperture 20 a. In certain embodiments, snapteeth 26 a-d are sitting on attachment ledge 20 c and abutting the snaptooth receptacle 20 b. FIG. 4M shows an alternative embodiment of asnap-interface cap 19 that can be attached to the snap interface shownin FIG. 4L. The exemplary snap-interface cap 19 of FIG. 4L includessnap-tooth elements, e.g. 19 c, 19 d, and 19 e, configured for beingcoupled to the snap teeth 26 a-d of the snap interface 25. Snap toothstop 19 g prevents the snap-interface cap 19 from rotating, while theaccessory tooth 19 h connects the snap-interface cap directly to anaccessory associated with the sled. For instance, the accessory could bea belt clip or any of a variety of mounting apparatus described herein.FIG. 4N shows a perspective view of snap-interface cap 19, includingsnap-tooth elements 19 c-d, snap tooth stop 19 g and accessory tooth 19h.

FIG. 5A provides an exemplary embodiment of a utility attachment 40 forattachment to the sled 1. This particular utility attachment isconfigured as a clip, such as a belt clip. The belt clip 40 can have anysuitable size and any suitable shape so long as it is capable of beingcoupled to the sled 1 and further capable of attaching the sled 1 to abelt. For instance, in certain instances, the length of the belt clip 40may be about 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, and the like.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 5A, an exemplary belt clip 40 to beattached to a sled 1 of the disclosure may include a top member 42 and abottom member 44, wherein the bottom member 44 includes a snap-toothinterface 25 configured for being fit within a utility attachmentaperture 20 of the sled 1 as described above. Accordingly, thesnap-tooth interface 25 includes a plurality of, e.g., four, snap teeth,26 a-26 d, each snap tooth including an attachment ledge interface 27a-27 d for being coupled with an attachment ledge 20 c of an attachmentaperture 20. In a manner such as this, the belt clip 40 may be eitherremovably or non-removably attached to the sled 1, as described above.In this embodiment, the belt clip 40 is configured for being removablyattached to the sled 1, and thus, when coupled with other utilityaccessory attachments, as described herein below, may form a kit ofinterchangeable utility attachments, each of which removable utilityattachments may be interchanged with one another in their coupling tothe sled 1.

The bottom member 44 and top member 42 of the clip 40 are capable ofbeing associated with one another. Although the top member 42 may becoupled to the bottom member 44 in any suitable manner, in thisinstance, this coupling is in such a manner that the top member 42 iscapable of moving, e.g., rotating, relative to the bottom member 44.Thus, the top member 42 is moveably coupled to the bottom member 44,such as at an axle 45 interface. For instance, the top and bottommembers 42 and 44 may have corresponding axle receptacle 45 a and 45 b,which axle interfaces are configured for receiving an axle 45 therethrough such that when coupled together via the axle 45 the top member42 is capable of rotating away from the bottom ember 44 about the axle45.

The top member 42 further includes a belt retention element 47. The beltretention element 47 includes an extended member 47 a that displaces thetop member 42 away from the bottom member 44 a distance suitable suchthat a belt may be received in between the top 42 and bottom 44 members.The extended member 47 a further includes a belt retention member 47 b,which belt retention member is configured for interfacing with a beltsuch that the sled 1 may not be removed from its attachment to a beltuntil the belt retention member 47 is disengaged from the belt. It is tobe noted that the belt clip 40 includes a circular snap-tooth interface25, which snap-tooth interface 25 is associated with the attachmentaperture 20 in such a manner that the belt clip 40 is capable ofrotating about the sled 1, such as in an articulated manner.

FIG. 5B depicts a top surface 42 a of the top member 42 of a belt clip40. Also depicted is a grip feature that is positioned on a proximalportion of the top member 44 and designed to facilitate the rotation ofthe top member relative to the sled 1.

FIG. 5C provides a depiction of a bottom surface 42 b of a top member42, which top member 42 is configured for being rotatably coupled to abottom member 44, such as at an axle interface 45 a. The axle interface45 a is configured as a receptacle that is adapted to receive an axlemember 45, e.g., a pin, there through. Also depicted are the extendedmember 47 a and belt retention member 47 b of the top member 42.

FIG. 5D depicts a top surface 44 a of a bottom member 44 of the beltclip 40. The bottom member 44 is configured for being coupled to a topmember 42, such as at an axle interface 45 b. The axle interface 45 b isconfigured as a receptacle that is adapted to receive an axle member 45,e.g., a pin, therethrough. Also depicted are the base members for snapteeth 26 a-26 d.

FIG. 5E depicts a bottom surface 44 b of the bottom member 44 of theclip 40. The bottom surface 44 b of the bottom member 44 includes asnap-tooth interface 25, which snap-tooth interface includes a pluralityof, e.g., four, snap teeth, 26 a-26 d. FIG. 5F depicts a back surface 10b of the elongated member 10 of the sled 1 with a belt clip accessory 40attached thereto. Also depicted is a camera feature 18 and a lockingslide 15, which locking slide 15 is coupled to a clasping mechanism 14.Further depicted are the back surface of the support pockets 30 a and 30b, which pockets are separated from one another by a gap, such as a gapsized so as to allow a charger port interface to be inserted therebetween thereby allowing a retained electronic device to be chargedwhile within the sled 1.

FIG. 5G provides an alternative embodiment of a sled attached to a beltclip, as described above and in FIGS. 1D-1H. FIG. 5G depicts aperspective view of the rear side of a sled 1, including belt clip 40,and a housing 100. FIG. 5H provides a perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a bottom member 44 of a belt clip, including: top surface44 a; axle receptacle 45 a; axle interface 45 b; belt clip attachmenttongues 26 e, 26 f, 26 g; and belt clip attachment grooves 26 h, 26 i,26 j. FIG. 5I depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofa bottom member 44 of a belt clip, including: bottom surface 44 b; axlereceptacle 45 a; axle interface 45 b; belt clip attachment tongues 26 e,26 f, 26 g; and belt clip attachment grooves 26 h, 26 i, 26 j. The beltclip attachment tongues and belt clip attachment grooves are formed froman attachment pedestal 26 k that extends outward from the bottom surface44 b of the bottom member 44. The bottom member is configured so thatthe belt clip attachment tongues 26 e-g mate with cap grooves in a capattached to a sled (described below and depicted in FIG. 5J). Similarly,belt clip attachment grooves 26 h-26 j are configured to mate with captongues that extend outward from the rear surface of a cap attached to asled (see FIG. 5J). The bottom member of the belt clip can then berotated to secure the bottom member into the cap. FIG. 5J depicts aperspective view of the front surface 10 a of a sled 1 with a cap 19,including cap tongues 19 i, 19 j, 19 k, and cap grooves 191, 19 m, 19 n.The cap tongues extend towards the rear surface of the sled and are notseen in their entirety.

FIG. 6 provides another utility accessory attachment this timeconfigured as a bike mount sled attachment 60. As can be seen withrespect to FIG. 6A, a sled 1 of the disclosure may be coupled to a bikemount sled attachment 60, so as to allow the sled 1 to be removablyattached to a portion of a vehicle, such as a bar portion of a bicycle,motorcycle, hang glider, and the like. Accordingly, the bike mountaccessory includes a sled attachment base member 60 having a top 60 aand a bottom surface 60 b. In a manner similar to that described above,a back surface 10 b of a sled 1 may be coupled to a back surface 60 b ofthe bike mount sled attachment base 60 via a suitable snap-toothinterface 25, which interface is capable of being coupled to the sled 1,as described above.

The snap-tooth interface 25 of the bike accessory attachment base 60,however, is configured a bit differently than the snap-tooth interfaceof the belt clip attachment 50, because in this embodiment, thesnap-tooth interface 25 includes eight separate snap-teeth 25 a-25 h,which snap teeth are configured for engaging an attachment ledge 20 c ofthe attachment aperture 20 of the sled 1 as described above. Theadditional teeth function in part to prevent the bike mount attachmentfrom rotating about the aperture 20, and further function to provide afirmer coupling between the bike mount sled attachment base 60 with thesled 1. The bottom surface 60 b of the bike mount sled base 60additionally includes attachment edge rails 61 a and 61 b that areconfigured for engaging the edges 12 a and 12 b of the sled 1 in amanner such that the rails 61 a and 61 b wrap at least partially aroundthe edges 12 a and 12 b so as to further prevent the bike mount sledattachment base 60 from rotating with respect to the sled 1. The bikemount sled attachment base 60 need not move with respect to the sled 1because a top surface 60 a of the bike mount sled attachment base 60includes a rotatable ball member receptacle 62, which rotatable ballmember receptacle 62 includes a plurality of joint walls 62 a-62 d,which joint walls are configured for forming the receptacle 62 adaptedfor receiving a rotatable ball attachment member 67 b that forms arotatable ball joint 66.

Specifically, FIG. 6B provides a top surface 60 a of a bike mount sledattachment base member 60, which top surface includes a ball memberreceptacle 62, which ball member receptacle includes four receptaclewalls 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, and 62 d, which walls are configured to define acavity 62 within which a corresponding ball attachment member 67 b maybe positioned therein. Accordingly, the bike mount sled attachmentincludes a base member 60, which base member 60 is configured for beingcoupled to a sled 1 of the disclosure, and further includes ball memberreceptacle walls 62 a-62 d defining a ball member receiving receptacle62 that is configured for being coupled with a ball attachment member 67b so as to form a rotatable ball joint. The walls of the ball attachmentmember receptacle 62 a-62 d include threads 63 a-63 d, which threads areconfigured for being removably coupled to corresponding threads 68 f ofa tensioning member 68, which tensioning member 68 functions to tightenthe ball joint 66 and thereby locking it down and preventing itsmovement. FIG. 6C provides a side view of a bottom surface 10 b of asled 1 of the disclosure wherein the sled 1 is coupled to a base 60 of abike mount sled attachment member. FIG. 6D provides a side view of a topsurface 10 a of a sled 1 of the disclosure wherein the sled 1 is coupledto a base 60 of a bike mount sled attachment member.

FIG. 6E depicts exemplary elements of a bike accessory sled attachmentelement 60 having a ball member assembly 67 and tensioning element 68capable of being associated therewith so as to form a ball jointattachment member 66. The ball joint assembly 66 therefore includes aball member assembly 67 and a tensioning element 68, both of which areconfigured for being moveably associated with the bike accessory sledattachment base 60. Accordingly, as depicted, the bike accessory sledattachment element 60 includes a ball attachment member receivingreceptacle 62, which ball attachment member receiving receptacle 62 isconfigured for receiving a ball member 67 b of a ball member assembly67, wherein the ball assembly 67 allows for an electronic device to beretained within the sled 1 and further to be attached to a bar member,such as a bar member of vehicle, such as a bicycle, and yet be allowedto rotate despite being attached thereto.

The ball member assembly 67 includes a bar attachment member 67 a, aball member 67 b, and a clasping mechanism 67 c. The bar attachmentmember 67 a is configured so as to be attached to a portion, such as abar portion, of a bicycle, a motorcycle, or other such vehicle, or anyobject having a bar member to which the ball member assembly 67 may beattached, and the like. In one instance, the bar attachment member 67 ais composed of a flexible or semi-flexible member that is configured toform an orifice into which orifice a substrate, e.g., a bar member, maybe positioned, and thus, the bar attachment member 67 a is configuredfor being fit around a substrate.

Further, the bar attachment member 67 a is configured to be coupled to aclasping mechanism 67 d, which clasping mechanism 67 d is adapted forlocking the bar attachment member 67 a down into position around thesubstrate to which it is attached. This clasping mechanism 67 d may haveany suitable configuration so long as it is capable of locking the barattachment member 67 a in place.

In this instance, the bar attachment member 67 a includes a claspingmechanism interface that corresponds to a similar interface on theclasping mechanism 67 c, which interfaces are designed to interface withone another so as to couple the attachment member 67 a to the claspingmechanism 67 c. A suitable interface includes an extended memberpositioned on an end of the attachment member 67 a, and an indentedportion positioned on an end of the clasping mechanism 67 c, wherein theindented portion has a “Y” configuration that is configured forreceiving the extended portion in between the legs of the “Y”. Both theextended member and indented portion may include orifices through whichan axle, e.g., a pin, may be inserted so as to couple the two together.The clasping member 67 c, therefore, may be configured for rotatingabout the axle so as to effectuate the locking of the attachment member67 a.

The clasping member 67 c may further include a locking unit 67 d, whichlocking unit 67 d is configured for interfacing with a ridged lockingregion on the attachment member 67 a so as to be able to lock theattachment member 67 a in place. For instance, the clasping member 67 cis rotates about the axle from a first, unengaged position, to a second,engaged position, so as to allow the locking unit 67 d to engage theridged locking region of the attachment member, e.g., between theridges. Once engaged, the clasping member 67 c is rotated back from itssecond engaged position to a third, locked, position, thereby lockingthe attachment member 67 a in a locked position, e.g., around a barmember of a vehicle. The first and third positions may be the samegeneral position.

Further, in this instance, the bar attachment member 67 a furtherincludes a ball member 67 b. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 6F, theball member 67 b is configured for being attached to a ball attachmentmember receiving receptacle 62 of a bike accessory sled attachmentelement 60. Specifically, in this instance, the ball member 67 b isconfigured for being received within the ball attachment memberreceiving receptacle 62 of the sled attachment element 60. Thisengagement allows the bar attachment member 67 a to be coupled to thesled 1 via the ball member 67 b being coupled to the sled attachmentelement 60 via the ball attachment member receiving receptacle 62, in amoveable engagement. For example, the ball member 67 b may move and/orrotate within the receiving receptacle 62 around the ball of the ballmember 67 b. This, therefore, allows the sled 1 to move through avariety of orientations once attached to a bar portion of a vehicle.

In various instances, it may be useful to lock the sled 1 into a givenorientation once positioned on a suitable substrate via the barattachment member 67. Accordingly, in such an instance, a lockingelement may be included to lock the sled 1 into a given orientation.Such a locking element may have any suitable configuration so long as itis capable of engaging the attachment member 67 and/or the sledattachment member 60 in such a manner so as to lock the orientation ofthe sled into a desired orientation.

For instance, a tensioning element 68 may also be included. Thetensioning element 68 may have any suitable configuration, and in thisinstance, the tensioning element 68 includes an orifice, which orificeis configured for receiving the walls of a ball attachment memberreceiving receptacle 62 therein. For example, the interior boundary 68 fof the tensioning element 68 and the walls of the receiving receptacle62 may have corresponding threadlike interfaces so as to allow them tobe “screwed” together.

Accordingly, the tensioning element 68 is configured for interfacingwith the wall members of the ball attachment member receiving receptacle62, so as to decrease the aperture of the receptacle 62, e.g., by movingthe walls 62 inwards via screwing, and thereby engage the ball member 67b in such a manner that the ball member 67 b is no longer capable ofmoving within the receptacle 62, consequently locking the sled 1 into adesired orientation. To facilitate this coupling, the tensioning element68 may include grip features 68 a-68 e, for increasing the grip-abilityof the tensioning element 68. The tensioning element 68 further includesthread feature 68 f, which threads correspond to a like threaded regionon the sled attachment member 60.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 6G, the tensioning element 68 mayengage the wall members 62 a-62 d of the ball attachment memberreceiving receptacle 62 of the sled attachment element 60, in anysuitable manner. However, in this instance, this engagement isconfigured as corresponding screw-threads, which threads allow thetensioning element 68 to be screwed around the wall members 62 a-62 dthereby modulating the dimensions of the aperture 62, so as to lock theorientation of the ball member 67 b in place. The wall members 62 a-62 dinclude thread features 63 a-63 d, which thread features correspond tothread features 68 f of the tensioning member 68.

FIG. 6H provides a suitable a bike mount sled attachment, wherein a bikemount sled attachment base member 60 is attached to a bar attachmentmember 67, wherein the two members are locked into place by tensioningmember 68. FIG. 6I provides the bike mount sled attachment as it is whencoupled to a suitable sled 1.

FIGS. 6J-6T provide several preferred ball assemblies for removablyattaching a utility accessory attachment according to any of FIGS. 6A-6Ito a threadless bicycle headset (not shown) using a headset bolt or stemcap screw.

As those in the art will appreciate, the representative embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 6J-6T may be readily adapted for use with othervehicles, including bicycles having threaded headsets, motorcycles, hanggliders, and the like. In such embodiments, the use of a ball andsocket, or “rotatable ball member receptacle”, 62, as shown in thesefigures forms an adjustable ball joint that allows the user to manuallyadjust the sled's position in relation to the bicycle in order to mountthe sled at a desired position. When the desired position is achieved,the user can secure the ball in the receptacle 62 or cavity by adjustingthe tensioning member (e.g., element 68, FIG. 6G) to tighten the balljoint and thereby lock it down so as to prevent movement of the ball inthe socket, thereby securing the user-selected position of the sled inrelation to the bicycle's headset.

FIG. 6J shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a ball assembly 500according to the invention. The ball 501 contains a threaded bore 503accessible through an opening 505 in its underside. The threaded bore503 is adapted to receive the threaded portion 507 of a stem cap havingan integrated post 509. The stem cap and post 505 has a through-bore 511having two diameters. The diameter “x” of the upper portion of thethrough-bore is larger than the diameter “y” of the upper portion of thethrough-bore, as lower portion of the must be sufficiently sized toaccommodate the threaded portion 523 of the stem cap screw 520, whilethe upper portion of the through-bore 511 must be sufficiently sized toaccommodate the head 521 of the stem cap screw 520. The intersection ofthe upper and lower portions of the through-bore 511 is bounded by aseat 510 configured to engage the lower engaging surface 522 of the head521 of a stem cap screw 520.

The ball assembly shown in FIG. 6J is assembled onto a threadlessbicycle headset (not shown) by positioning the stem cap and post 505atop a threadless bicycle headset, inserting the stem cap screw 520 intothe through-bore 511, tightening the stem cap screw 520, and thenscrewing the ball 501 onto the stem cap and post 505. A cross-section ofsuch an assembled ball assembly 500 is shown in FIG. 6K. A utilityaccessory attachment as shown, for example, in FIG. 6D, can then besecurely yet removably attached to the bicycle-mounted ball assemblyusing a tensioning element (e.g., element 68, FIG. 6G) capable of beingassociated therewith. A bicycle having such a utility accessoryattachment so mounted is then suited to retain a portable electronicdevice, e.g., a cellular phone, in the sled, with the sled, and hencethe electronic device, positioned in manner determined by the particularuser.

FIG. 6L shows an alternative embodiment of an integrated ball assembly530 according to the invention. Here, the ball 531, stem cap 535, andthreaded stem cap screw 540 are unitary, single piece. In thisembodiment, the ball 531 is elevated above the stem cap portion 535 by apost 532, which can be any suitable height. FIG. 6M shows a similaralternative embodiment, wherein a conventional stem cap screw (notshown) is replaced by a ball-topped stem cap screw 550 have a ballportion 552 opposite its threaded portion 554. Such an embodiment doesnot require replacement of the stem cap 558, which, if desired, can bereused. In this embodiment, the original stem cap screw (not shown) isremoved and replaced with the ball-topped stem cap screw 550 shown inFIG. 6M. The ball portion 552 is positioned above a post region 553,which is disposed on top of a spacer 551 which, when the ball-toppedstem cap screw 550 is screwed into position in the headset (not shown),fits within and closely associates with the wall of cylindrical bore 559in the stem cap 558.

FIGS. 6N-6T show further alternative embodiments of a ball-topped stemcap screw (560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, respectively) that can beused, for example, to replace an existing stem cap screw on a threadlessbicycle headset (not shown). These embodiments are interchangeable withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6M, and thus the stem cap (558) is notshown. In these embodiments, the ball portion (561, 571, 581, 591, 601,611, 621, respectively) is disposed opposite the threaded portion (562,572, 582, 592, 602, 612, 622), with the ball portion (561, 571, 581,591, 601, 611, 621, respectively) positioned above a post region (563,573, 585, 593, 603, 613, 623, respectively), which is disposed on top ofa spacer (551) that again fits within and closely associates with thewall of the cylindrical bore that extends through the stem cap.

The differences between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6N-6T (560, 570,580, 590, 600, 610, 620, respectively) concern features useful insecuring the ball-topped stem cap screw to a threadless bicycle headset.The embodiments shown in FIGS. 6N and 60 include a plurality of wrenchflats (2 or 6, for example; elements 564, 574, 584, 594) on the postregions 563, 573. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6P and 6Q, wrenchflats (for example, 2 or 6) can be included in the ball portion 581,591. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6R includes a wrench socket 604disposed on the top of the ball portion 601. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6S and 6T, the post region (613, FIG. 6S) or ball region 621includes a cylindrical spanning bore 614, 624 (which may or may notextend through the entire post region so as to be accessible from eitherside) into which a spanner wrench, bar, or pin can be inserted fortightening the ball-topped stem cap screw 610, 620.

FIG. 6U shows an alternative embodiment of a sled attached to a bikemount incorporating the sleds of 1D-1I and the clasping and lockingelements of FIGS. 2H-2M. In certain embodiments, the sled includes aclasping element 14 and locking element 15 held between clasp retainingelements 14 o and 14 p. The sled also includes hard stops 16 a and 16 b,supporting elements 30 a and 30 b, cutout portion 32 b (cutout portion32 a not shown), and supporting element cutouts 30 c and 30 d. The bikemount 60 is attached to the sled at elongated member 10, the bike mount60 including bar attachment member 67 and tensioning member 68. FIG. 6Vprovides a side view of the sled attached to a bike mount of FIG. 6U,including bike mount 60, bar attachment member 67, tensioning member 68,and elongated member 10. The curvature of the elongated member of thesled is configured to aid in the removal of a case from the sled. Inaddition, the curvature of the elongated member improves retention of acase coupled with the sled, as the force retaining the case in the sledis concentrated at the four corners of the sled, hard stops 16 a and 16b (hard stop 16 b not shown), and supporting elements 30 a and 30 b(supporting element 30 b not shown). The curvature of the sled alsoimproves shock resistance of the sled, as it allows the sled to flex ifdropped or struck. FIG. 6W provides a perspective view of the rear sideof the sled attached to a bike mount of FIG. 6U, including rear surface10 b, bike mount 60, bar attachment member 67, tensioning member 68,rotatable ball member receptacle 62, and elongated member 10. The sledis rotated horizontally relative to the bar attachment member 67. FIG.6X provides a perspective view of the rear side of the sled attached toa bike mount of FIG. 6W, including and a case or housing 100 partiallycontained in the sled at supporting elements 30 a and 30 b (supportingelement 30 a not shown), and includes bike mount 60, bar attachmentmember 67, tensioning member 68, rotatable ball member receptacle 62,and elongated member 10.

FIG. 7 provides another embodiment of a sled 1 of the disclosure thistime configured for being coupled with a band such as an arm band, a legband, a waist band, wrist band, a head band, and the like. The sled 1 issimilar to that described above in that it includes an elongated member10 having front and back surfaces 10 a and 10 b, which elongated member10 is surrounded by a proximal portion 12. The elongated member 10further has a proximal portion 12 c and a distal portion 12 d, whereinthe proximal portion includes a plurality of dead stops 16 a and 16 b,configured for supporting a device to be retained in the sled 1, andfurther includes a clasping mechanism 14 that is adapted for claspingonto a device to be retained within the sled 1 and thereby retaining ittherein. The distal portion 12 d also includes a plurality of supportmembers configured as pockets 30 a and 30 b, which pockets areconfigured for associating with the corners of a retained device so asto support and facilitate the retention a distal portion thereof.

With respect to FIG. 7, however, instead of depending on an attachmentelement 20, which allows the sled 1 to be coupled to a clip-likeattachment element, such as provided in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sled 1 ofFIGS. 7A and 7B includes retaining apertures 13, which apertures areconfigured for being coupled with a band 215, such as an arm band, etc.,that is configured for allowing the sled 1 to be removably attached toan object, such as a user's arm, leg, wrist, waist, head, or the like.FIGS. 7A and 7B provide one instance of a sled 1 of the disclosure,wherein the sled 1 is configured for being coupled with a band 215. FIG.7A provides a front surface of the sled 1, and FIG. 7B provides a backsurface of the sled 1. The sled 1, therefore, includes retainingapertures 13 on its opposing sides 12 a and 12 b, which apertures 13 areconfigured for receiving a portion of the band 215 therethrough so as toallow the sled 1 to be attached to an object. It is to be understood,however, that this configuration may be modified without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure, such as by changing the number, size,shape, dimensions, and positions of the receptacles 13 and/or bands 215.In this embodiment, two sets of receptacles 13 b and 13 d are providedon opposite sides 12 a and 12 b of the sled 1. The receptacles 13 b and13 d are bounded by bounding members 13 a and 13 c. The receptacles 13 band 13 d are configured for receiving there through a portion of a band215, such as the band provided in FIGS. 7C and 7D.

FIGS. 7C and 7D provide a front 215 a and a back 215 b surface of a band215 of the disclosure. The band 215 includes central portion front andback surfaces 215 a and 215 b, having two side portions stretchingtherefrom, which side portions are configured for being inserted throughcorresponding side receptacles 13 of the sled 1, in such a manner thatthe front surface 215 a aligns up with the back surface 10 b of the sled1, and the corresponding sides spread out laterally therefrom, see, forinstance, FIG. 7E. The side portions may then be wrapped around anobject and removably coupled to one another so as to be attached aroundthe object.

For instance, a left hand side portion may be composed of a single ormultiple materials, and in this instance, is composed of a plurality ofmaterials. The left hand side portion therefore includes a middleportion 215 c, which middle portion may be comprised of a stretchablematerial, an opposing band attachment portion 215 d, e.g., a buckle,configured for attaching the left hand side of the band 215 with theright hand side of the band 15, and a central portion attachment portion215 e, which in this instance is also a buckle that is configured forattaching the middle portion 215 c of the left hand strap with thecentral portion 215 a.

The right hand side strap portion may be composed of a single materialor a plurality of materials, and in this instance, includes a singlematerial having three portions. For example, the right hand strapincludes a middle portion 215 f, which middle portion may be comprisedof a stretchable material and may further have an attachment memberincluded thereon; an opposing band attachment portion 215 g, e.g., ahook and loop fastener member, configured for engaging the left handside of the band 215, and further configured for engaging the attachmentmember of the middle portion 215 f; and a side receptacle engagementportion 215 h configured for attaching the right hand side portion tothe sled 1 of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

For instance, the right hand strap may include a middle portion 215 fhaving the loop portion of a hook and loop attachment element. Theopposing band attachment portion 215 g may include the hook portion of ahook and loop fastener element, and may be configured for being fedthrough the buckle 215 d of the left hand side portion and then foldedback upon itself so as to fasten with the loop fastening element of themiddle portion 215 f and in a manner such as this, the band 215 may bewrapped around an object, thereby effectuating the coupling of the sled1 with the object. Additionally, the side receptacle engagement portion215 h may have the hook portion of a hook and loop attachment element,and may be configured for being fed through the retaining apertures 13 band 13 d of the right hand side 12 b of the sled 1 and then folded backupon itself so as to fasten with the loop fastening element of themiddle portion 215 f, and in a manner such as this, the band 215 may becoupled to sled 1. It is to be understood that the various elements ofthe described configurations of the left and right hand strap portionsof the band 215 may be mixed and matched or modified to enhance thevarious attachment features of the band, without departing from thespirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 7C provides a front surface 215 a of the band 215. FIG. 7D providesa back surface 215 b of the band 215 of FIG. 7C. As can be seen, theback surface 215 b of the band 215 includes a raised locking mechanismreceiving receptacle 215 i and a plurality of raised cushion members 215r positioned at the side perimeter portions of the back surface 215 b.Also depicted are raised grip features positioned on the two opposingcentral member attachment portions 215 e and 215 h, which raisedfeatures function to secure the attachment of the band 215 to the sled 1by making it more difficult for side members to slip out of engagementwith the receiving receptacles 13 once threaded there through. Alsodepicted are various apertures positioned on the various band portionswhich serve the function of both increasing elasticity of the band andair vents.

FIG. 7E provides a front view of another embodiment of a strap systemfor the sled 1. According to this system the opposing band attachmentportion 215 d, e.g. a buckle, is attached to the middle of the left handportion of the strap 215 c via a post and aperture system 215 j. Also,in some embodiments, instead of having a central portion attachmentportion 215 e as shown in FIG. 7C, the middle portion 15 c attacheddirectly to the central portion of the strap 215. Likewise, in certainembodiments, the side receptacle attachment portion on the right side ofthe strap 215 h is found on the front side 215 a. FIG. 7F(a) shows afront view of the entire strap system and strap for sled. FIG. 7F(b)shows a back view 215 b of the strap.

FIG. 7G shows a front view of the post and aperture system 215 jconnecting the opposing band attachment portion 215 d, e.g. a buckle, tothe middle portion of the left hand portion of the strap 215 c. The endof the middle portion of the left hand strap 215 c is sandwiched betweena connector 215 k and the opposing band attachment portion 215 d. Theposts 2151 are shown extending from the opposing band attachment portion215 d through the middle of the left hand portion of the strap 215 c andthrough the connector 215 k.

FIG. 7H shows a front view of the disassembled post and aperture system215 j. The middle portion of the left hand portion of the strap 215 chas apertures 215 m through it throughout its length. These aperturescan be any size or shape or in any configuration as long as they allowthe opposing band attachment portion 215 d to be locked into theconnector 215 k using the posts 2151 found on the opposing bandattachment portion 215 d. These apertures also serve the function ofboth increasing elasticity of the band and air vents. Of course, theconnector 215 k could also have posts that lock into apertures 215 ofound in the opposing band attachment portion 215 d. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 7H, the connector 215 k contains apertures 215 n thatallow the posts 2151 on the opposing band attachment portion 215 d topass through the middle portion of the left hand portion of the strap215 c and the connector 215 k. This locks the opposing band attachmentportion 215 d.

It should be noted that the post and aperture system 215 j allows theopposing band attachment portion 215 d to be attached to any set ofapertures 215 m found in the middle portion of the left hand portion ofthe strap 215 c. The end of the middle portion of the left hand portionof the strap 215 c can either be folded back or cut to shorten the strapand allow the opposing band attachment portion 215 d to be attached tothe shortened end of the strap. This allows for the length of the strap215 to be adjusted depending on the appendage or object the strap isintended to fit around.

FIG. 7I provides a back view of the opposing band attachment portion 215d. This back view shows the apertures 215 o found in the attachmentportion 215 d. These apertures are optional, and could be solid ifdesired. FIG. 7J provides a front view of the opposing band attachmentportion 215 d. In this view, the posts 2151 of the attachment portion215 d are shown. The posts 2151 are shaped so that they have a broadertip 215 q than base 215 p. In certain embodiments, the broader tip 215 qis about the same or slightly larger than the apertures in the strap 215m and/or the apertures 215 n in the connector 215 k. This allows for theposts 2151 to lock into the apertures and hold the attachment portion215 d to the strap 215 c and the connector 215 k.

FIG. 7K is a view of the connector 215 k. In certain embodiments, theconnector is symmetrical and could be applied to the middle portion ofthe left hand portion of the strap 15 c to lock the opposing bandattachment portion 215 d on either surface.

FIG. 7L is a view of where the middle portion of the left hand portionof the strap 15 c joins the central part of the strap 215 and the sled1. The middle portion of the left hand portion of the strap 215 c entersthe retaining aperture 13 d of the sled 1. Similarly, FIG. 7M is a viewof where the middle portion of the right hand portion of the strap 215 fjoins the central part of the strap 215 and the sled 1. The middleportion of the right hand portion of the strap 215 f enters theretaining aperture 13 d of the sled 1. The receptacle engagement portion215 h is found on the front face of the strap in this embodiment.

FIG. 7N is a view of the same perspective as FIG. 7M, with thereceptacle engagement portion 215 h lifted up to show the underside. Asshown, the underside of the receptacle engagement portion 215 h has ahook and loop connector system that engages the corresponding part ofthe system on the front face of the middle portion of the right handportion of the strap 215 f. Also, the receptacle engagement portion 215h is directly attached to the middle portion of the right hand portionof the strap 215 f before the strap enters the retaining aperture 13 dof the sled 1.

FIG. 7O shows a view of the left 215 c and right 215 f portions of thestrap and where they join the front surface of the strap 215 a. Asshown, the left 215 c and right 215 f portions of the strap are fixedlyattached to the front surface 215 a of the strap. Thus, there is no needfor a functional central portion attachment portion 215 e or receptacleengagement portion 215 h as shown in FIG. 7E. The strap in thisembodiment is all one piece.

FIG. 7P shows a back view of the left side 215 c of the strap 215. Themiddle portion of the left hand portion of the strap 215 c contains aplurality of raised cushion members 215 r positioned at the sideperimeter portions of the back surface of the strap. Likewise, FIG. 7Qshows a back view of the right side 215 f of the strap 215. The middleportion of the right hand portion of the strap 215 f contains aplurality of raised cushion members 215 r positioned at the sideperimeter portions of the back surface of the strap.

FIG. 7R shows an alternative embodiment of a sled that includesretaining apertures coupled with a band, wherein the locking mechanismis that described above and shown in FIGS. 2H-2M. In the illustratedembodiment, the sled 1 is connected with a band 215, the sled includinga clasping element 14 and locking element 15 held between claspretaining elements 14 o and 14 p. The sled also includes hard stops 16 aand 16 b, supporting elements 30 a and 30 b, supporting element cutouts30 c and 30 d. The sled also includes raised support elements 30 e and30 f (30 f not shown). A portion of the front surface 10 a of the sledis curved such that when a case containing a mobile device is insertedinto the sled, a portion of the front surface 10 a does not touch theentire back surface of the case. The curvature of the front surface ofthe sled is configured to aid in the removal of a case from the sled. Inaddition, the curvature of the sled improves retention of a case coupledwith the sled, as the force retaining the case in the sled isconcentrated at the four corners of the sled (hard stops 16 a and 16 b,and supporting elements 30 a and 30 b). The curvature of the sled alsoimproves shock resistance of the sled, as it allows the sled to flex ifdropped or struck. The strap 215 associated with the sled and lockingmechanism as shown in FIG. 7R can encompass any of the embodimentsdescribed above. FIG. 7S provides a front view of the sled of FIG. 7R,including front surface 10 a, hard stops 16 a and 16 b, supportingelements 30 a and 30 b, clasping element 14, clasp retaining elements 14o and 14 p, and locking element 15. FIG. 7T provides a perspective viewof the sled of FIG. 7R and a case or housing 100 partially contained inthe sled at supporting elements 30 a and 30 b, and includes strap 215.

In some embodiments, part of the back surface of the sled contains asensor, such as a galvanic sensor, that is in communication with poststhat correspond with the connectors in the case (see, for example, aboveand FIG. 18A). When the case containing the device is installed in thesled, software in the device can be used to detect signals received fromthe sensor. When used in conjunction with the sled, the case, and themobile device, the sensor can be used to detect the blood pressure,pulse rate, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, or hemoglobin saturationof the user. In some embodiments, the sensor may be in communicationwith the sled, either with wires or wirelessly, but is not attached tothe sled; for example, the sensor may be attached to another armband orchestband. A microcontroller may be attached to the band, or to thesled, to allow processing of data sent to and/or from the sensor.

FIGS. 8A-E provide various perspective views of a float for use to housean electronic device and/or a housing or case for the same. The floatdisclosed herein may also be used to house an electronic device attachedto sleds disclosed herein. Accordingly, the float is of a size anddimension so as to receive an electronic device or a housing for saiddevice, and is further configured for protecting the device from shocks,such as from falls, and for protecting the device from sinking whensubjected to a body of water. Consequently, the float is composed of amaterial that is capable of floating when subjected to a body of water.Hence, the float may be of any suitable size and dimension, such as asize to fit over a mobile phone, such as an Apple IPHONE, or a casetherefore, or it may be sized to fit a tablet PC, such as an Apple IPAD,or a case therefore. For instance, in certain embodiments, the float maybe configured for receiving therein a housing, which housing houses amobile electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, and in such aninstance, the float may have a width that ranges from about 40 mm toabout 250 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 200 mm, for instance,from about 150 mm to about 200 mm, including about 88 mm in width, andmay have a length that ranges from about 50 mm to about 300 mm, such asfrom about 100 mm to about 250 mm, including from about 150 mm to about200 mm, such as about 175 mm in length, and may have a thickness thatranges from about 5 mm to about 100 mm, such as from about 10 mm toabout 50 mm, including from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 30mm thick. In other instances, the float may be configured for receivingtherein a housing, which housing houses a tablet computing device, suchas a tablet PC or an electronic reader, and in such an instance, thefloat may have an exterior width that ranges from about 50 mm to about500 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 450 mm, including from about150 mm to about 400 mm, such as from about 200 mm to about 350 mm,including from about 250 mm to about 300 mm, including about 242 mm inwidth, and may have an exterior length that ranges from about 50 mm toabout 600 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 550 mm, including fromabout 150 mm to about 500 mm, such as from about 200 mm to about 450 mm,including from about 250 mm to about 400 mm, for instance, from about300 mm to about 350 mm in length, and may have an exterior thicknessthat ranges from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 10 mm toabout 45 mm, including from about 15 mm to about 40 mm, such as fromabout 20 mm to about 35 mm, including from about 25 mm to about 30 mm,including about 38 mm in thickness. It is understood that the float'sinterior dimensions will vary with the dimensions of the electronicdevice or housing therefore that is configured for being received withinthe float, and hence, both the exterior and interior dimensions willvary accordingly. The preceding description is not meant to be undulylimiting.

For instance, the interior dimensions of a float of the disclosure, suchas for receiving a mobile telephone housing therein, may vary, and incertain instances may have an interior width that ranges from about 30mm to about 225 mm, such as from about 40 mm to about 150 mm, forinstance, from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, including about 66 mm inwidth, and may have an interior length that ranges from about 40 mm toabout 250 mm, such as from about 60 mm to about 200 mm, including fromabout 75 mm to about 200 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 150 mm,including about 131 mm in length, and may have an interior thicknessthat ranges from about 5 mm to about 75 mm, such as from about 10 mm toabout 50 mm, including from about 15 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 20mm thick. Additionally the interior dimensions of a float of thedisclosure, such as for receiving a tablet computer housing therein, mayvary, and in certain instances may have an interior width that rangesfrom about 25 mm to about 450 mm, such as from about 75 mm to about 400mm, including from about 100 mm to about 350 mm, such as from about 150mm to about 300 mm, including from about 200 mm to about 250 mm,including about 210 mm in width, and may have an interior length thatranges from about 30 mm to about 550 mm, such as from about 50 mm toabout 500 mm, including from about 100 mm to about 450 mm, such as fromabout 150 mm to about 400 mm, including from about 200 mm to about 350mm, for instance, from about 250 mm to about 300 mm, including about 266mm in length, and may have an interior thickness that ranges from about5 mm to about 45 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, includingfrom about 15 mm to about 35 mm, such as from about 20 mm to about 30mm, including from about 22 mm to about 25 mm in thickness. In certainembodiments, the thickness of a wall of the float may be from about 5 mmto about 50 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, including fromabout 15 mm to about 35 mm, for instance, from about 20 mm to about 30mm, including about 25 mm for a proximal, distal, side walls, and/or abottom wall.

FIG. 8A provides a view of a float 70 of the disclosure wherein thefloat is coupled with a lanyard 75 which lanyard is configured forallowing the float 70 to easily be carried such as by being strung abouta user's head, neck, wrist, waist, or other object. Like the sled 1, thefloat 70 includes an elongated member having a perimeter portion,wherein the perimeter portion includes perimeter walls. The float 70further includes a cavity defined by the perimeter walls into whichcavity an electronic device or a housing therefore may be inserted. Thefloat 70 includes four corners, and each of the corners may include astructural feature 71 that serves one or more functions. As depicted thestructural features 71 a-71 d function to give structural support to thecorners of the float 70, as well as to provide an element by which thefloat 70 to be connected to a carrying mechanism 75, such as a lanyard.

As depicted in FIG. 8A, the lanyard 75 includes an elongated body endingin two opposing connector interfaces 75 a, which interfaces are coupledto a connector 75 b that is configured for engaging a portion of thefloat 70 or a portion thereof. As depicted the connectors 75 b areconfigured for engaging a hook portion of a support member 72, whichsupport members are positioned at the proximal corner hook receivingportions 74 a and 74 b.

In this implementation, the supports 71 a-71 d are positioned at eachcorner and are configured for engaging an interior corner portion andpassing through the interior corner portion to the exterior cornerportion and forming a receptacle at the exterior corner so as to becapable of being coupled to a carrying mechanism so as to be carriedthereby. As depicted four supports 71 a-71 d are provided at each of thecorners thereby allowing the carrying device 75 to be connected to anyof the corners and consequently allowing the housed device to be carriedin a variety of orientations, e.g., horizontally and/or vertically. Thecorners, therefore, are configured for receiving a hook element portionof the support member, and consequently the corners include indentedreceiving portions 74 a-74 d. In various instances, three, or two, oreven just one corner may be coupled to a support element 71, or thesupport member may be positioned not in a corner but at one or moresides, and/or the support member 71 will have a different configurationthen provided herein so long as it is capable of supporting a side or acorner of the float and/or allowing for a carrying device to beconnected thereto for carrying the float.

The float also includes several apertures, such as along its perimeterand/or its elongated surface. For instance, there may be one or aplurality of apertures positioned along its perimeter portion and/or oneor more apertures on its elongated surface member. For example,exemplified in FIG. 8B, there are two apertures 72 a and 72 b positionedon its proximal portion, e.g., so as to align with an earphone jack portand/or on on/off button of an underlying housed device thereby allowingaccess thereto, and there are two apertures 72 c and 72 d positioned onits distal portion, e.g., so as to align with a microphone and/orspeaker portion of an underlying housed device. There is also anaperture 72 e on one of its side portions, e.g., so as to align with avolume control and/or silence toggle, as well as an aperture 76positioned on its elongated member, e.g., so as to align with a camerafeature of an underlying housed device. Also depicted are supportapertures 74 c and 74 d that receive the hook portion of the supportmembers 72 c and 72 d.

FIG. 8C provides a distal portion of the float 70 wherein the lanyardconnectors 75 b are configured for engaging the hook portion of thesupport members 71 c and 71 d, which support members are positioned atthe distal corner hook receiving portions 74 c and 74 d. FIG. 8Dprovides a distal corner of the float of FIG. 8C showing in detail thehook element portion of the support member 71 c as well as itsattachment to the lanyard connector 75 b. FIG. 8E provides a front viewof an alternative embodiment of a float 70, including aperture 76. Theaperture for the camera of the underlying portable electronic device canbe any shape that allows for operation of the camera but does notinterfere with the buoyant properties of the float.

FIGS. 9A-9G provides various perspective views of a mount adapter 80 foruse in conjunction with a sled 1 of our disclosure. The mount adaptor 80is configured on one end so as to be coupled with a sled 1 of thedisclosure, such as via association with an attachment aperture 20 ofthe sled 1, and on the other end the mount adapter 80 is configured soas to be coupled to a mounting system, such as the one described herein.The mount adapter 80 may have any suitable configuration so long it iscapable of coupling to a sled 1 of the disclosure and then coupling thesled 1 with one or more other tertiary mounting members.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 9A, in this embodiment, the mountadapter 80 is configured for being associated with the sled 1 viacoupling with the attachment aperture 20. For instance, the mountadapter 80 includes a base member having a top surface 80 a and a bottomsurface 80 b, wherein the bottom surface 80 b of the mount adapter base80 is configured for being associated with the sled 1 via the attachmentaperture 20. The base member 80 further includes sled attachment edgerails 81 a and 81 b, such as on the perimeter portion of the bottomsurface 80 b of the base member 80, which are configured for engaging aperimeter edge portion of the sled 1 to which the mount adapter 80 is tobe attached. The base member 80 may have any suitable configuration solong as it is capable of associating the mount adapter 80 with the sled1.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the base member 80 includes attachmentedge rails 81 a and 81 b that are configured for engaging the edges 12 aand 12 b of the sled 1 in a manner such that the rails 81 a and 81 bwrap at least partially around the edges 12 a and 12 b so as to furtherprevent the mount adapter attachment base 80 from rotating with respectto the sled 1. The mount adapter attachment base 80 need not move withrespect to the sled 1 because it includes a mount adapter element 83,which mount adapter element 83 is configured for interfacing with asuitable mount element in a moveable engagement.

Accordingly, although the moveable engagement of the mount adapterelement 83 with the mount element may be configured in any suitable formso long as the engagement allows for the coupling of the sled 1 with themount element, such as in a moveable engagement, in this embodiment, theengagement is accomplished via hinge element 84. Specifically, theadapter base 80 includes a projection 83, e.g., a mount adapter element,which projection includes on its distal portion a mount engagementmember 84 that in this embodiment is configured as a hinge member. Thehinge member 84 may include one or more prong elements, which in thisinstance includes two prong elements 84 a and 84 b, however it isunderstood that one, two, three, or more prong elements could beincluded.

Further, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 9A, the adapter base member80 includes an aperture 86 a, which aperture 86 a is configured forreceiving a bolt member 86 b, e.g., a screw, a rivet, or otherattachment mechanism, there through, which bolt member 86 b may beemployed to attach the adapter base member 80 to the sled 1, such as atthe attachment aperture 20, which aperture 20 in this instance is acorresponding aperture sized to snuggly receive the bolt member 86 bthere through.

It is to be understood, however, that this attachment configuration maybe configured in any suitable manner. For instance, although thedescriptions herein provide an exemplified manner in which the adapterbase member 80 is coupled to the sled 1 via corresponding attachmentapertures 20 and 86 a by a suitable bolt member 86 b, the particularcoupling mechanism employed may differ from that set forth herein inmany various suitable manners. For example, in various instances, theadapter base member 80 may be coupled to a sled 1 through acorresponding snap interface, as depicted with reference to FIG. 4G, acorresponding clip interface, corresponding hinge interfaces, a snapinterface, an adhesive interface, a hook and loop interface, a bolt orrivet interface, a slide and catch interface, and the like.Specifically, in certain instances, instead of having a bolt-receivinginterface 86, the adapter base member 80 may include a snap-toothinterface 25, as depicted in FIG. 4B, which snap-tooth interface mayinclude one or a plurality of snap-teeth, each of which snap-teeth mayinclude an attachment ledge interface that is configured for beingcoupled to an attachment ledge, e.g., 20 c, of an attachment member 20.

FIG. 9B provides a perspective view of a back surface 80 b of the mountadapter 80. The adapter base member 80 includes an aperture boltretaining member 87 a, which retaining member forms a boundary around abolt receiving aperture 86 a. As indicated above, the aperture 86 a isconfigured for receiving a bolt member 86 b, e.g., a screw, a rivet, orother attachment mechanism, there through. The mount adapter 80 includesa projection 83 that is configured as a mount adapter element that isconfigured as a hinge member 84. The hinge member 84 includes two prongelements 84 a and 84 b, which hinge prong elements 84 a and 84 b definea hinge receiving aperture 85 a that is configured for receivingcorresponding hinge prong elements from a mounting member. The mountadapter element 83 also includes an aperture 85 b, such as a pinreceiving aperture that is configured for receiving a connectionelement, such as a pin, which pin may be inserted through thecorresponding hinge apertures of the mount adapter member and mountingmember so as to couple the two together in a moveable alignment. Alsodepicted are attachment edge rails 81 a and 81 b.

FIG. 9C provides a perspective view of the mount adapter 80 attached toa sled 1 of the disclosure. The front surface 80 a of the mount adapter80 is contacted with a back surface 10 b of the sled 1. The boltreceiving aperture 86 a of the adapter is aligned with the attachmentaperture 20 of the sled and a connector 86 b, e.g., a bolt, is insertedthere through so as to couple the sled and adapter together. A connectorretaining element 87 b, e.g., a nut, is then positioned in the connectorretaining member 87 a and the nut is applied to the bolt so as to securethe coupling of the sled 1 with the adapter. In this embodiment, thisconnection is a fixed connection, wherein the adapter is fixed to thesled in a non-moveable coupling. However, in other instances, such asthat provided with respect to FIG. 9E-9G, the mount adapter may beconfigured for being coupled to the sled in a moveable manner.

FIG. 9D provides a perspective view of the front surface 10 a of thesled 1 of FIG. 9C with the adapter 80 coupled thereto.

FIG. 9E provides another embodiment of a mount adapter 90 for use inconjunction with a sled 1 of the disclosure so as to enable the sled 1to be coupled to a suitable mounting member. In this embodiment, themount adapter 90 is configured as an elongated member, which elongatedmember is defined by front and back opposed surfaces that are offsetfrom one another by opposed side surfaces. The elongate member isfurther defined by a proximal portion and a distal portion, whichportions each include a coupling interface 91 and 94, respectively. Thecoupling interfaces of the proximal and distal portions of the elongatedmember may have any suitable configuration so long as they are capableof interfacing in a coupled engagement with the sled 1 and/or with amounting member or an accessory therefore.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 9E, in this embodiment, the proximaland distal coupling portions of the elongated member 90 are configuredas hinge interfaces 91 and 94. The proximal hinge interface 91 in thisinstance includes three prong members 91 a, 91 b, and 91 c that areseparated from one another by a space 92 a, which space is sized so asto receive corresponding prong members of another mount adapter, sled,or mounting member so as to be coupled therewith. It is to be understoodhowever that less or more than three prong members may be included. Theprong members each include a connector, e.g., pin, interface 92 b, whichinterface is configured as an aperture through which a connector 93,e.g., a pin, may be inserted so as to couple the adapter 90 to the otheradapter, sled, or mounting member.

The distal hinge interface 94 also includes prong members. In thisinstance, the distal hinge interface 94 includes two prong members 94 aand 94 b, however, it is understood that said interface may include one,two, three, or more prong members dependent upon the desiredconfiguration. The prong members 94 a and 94 b are separated from oneanother by a space 95 a, which space is sized so as to receivecorresponding prong members of another mount adapter, sled, or mountingmember so as to be coupled therewith. Accordingly, the prong memberseach include a connector, e.g., pin, interface 95 b, which interface isconfigured as an aperture through which a connector, e.g., a pin, may beinserted so as to couple the adapter 90 to the other adapter, sled, ormounting member.

FIGS. 9F and 9G provide a perspective view of the mount adapter 90 ofFIG. 9E coupled to a sled 1. Specifically, FIG. 9F provides aperspective view of a mount adapter 90 coupled to a back surface 10 b ofa sled 1 of the disclosure. The connection interface 91 of the proximalportion of the mount adapter 90 is aligned with the aperture 20 of thesled 1 so that the adapter 90 is contacted with a back surface 10 b ofthe sled 1. The sled aperture 20 has a connector, e.g., a pin, such as ascrew or bolt or the like, inserted there through, which pin passesthrough the connector interface 92 a, e.g., the pin aperture of theprong members 91. A locking member, e.g., a nut, is further coupled tothe connector so as to couple the adapter 90 to the sled 1. In thisembodiment, this connection is not a fixed connection, because the mountadapter 90 may rotate around the bolt or pin member. If a fixedconnection is desired, an additional connection member, e.g., a screwmay be inserted, such as through the distal interface portion, so as topass through the sled 1 and thereby lock the alignment of the adaptermember 90. FIG. 9G provides a perspective view of the front surface 10 aof the sled 1 of FIG. 9F with the adapter 90 coupled thereto.

FIG. 10A provides a perspective view of a mount 107 for the sled 1 usingthe adapters 80, 90 shown in FIGS. 9A-9G. The proximal end of the mount107 includes a hinge region 108 with three hinge regions, 108 a, 108 band 108 c that interact with one of the hinge regions of the adapters 80or 90, joined by a pin 109. The distal end of the mount includes a baseattachment region 110. The base attachment region includes a left 110 aand a right slot 110 b for connecting to a base. It also includes a left111 a and right distal hook 111 b as well as a left 111 c and rightproximal hook 111 d for removably connecting to a base. The mount 107also includes a central region 112 that connects the proximal end of themount 107 to the base attachment region 110 at the base attachmentregion connection point 113. The central region 112 then curves fromthis attachment point 113 to the hinge region 108. This curvaturereduces the mass of the mount and provides additional flexibility.

FIG. 10B provides a perspective view the mount 107. A left 112 a and aright slot 112 b are shown in the central region provide flexibility tothe mount and reduces the mass of the mount. The central region of themount 112 attaches to the proximal end of the base attachment region

FIG. 10C provides a perspective view of a base 114 that attaches to thebase attachment region 110 of the mount 107 shown in FIG. 10B. The baseattachment region 110 of the mount 107 shown in FIG. 10B slides into theright 105 a and left slots 105 b shown on either side of the mountattachment region 118 of the base 114 shown in FIG. 10C. The centerprotrusion 116 shown in mount attachment region 118 of the base 114 ofFIG. 10C holds the mount 107 from FIG. 10B in place when it is slidunder the right 115 a and left slots 115 b on the base 114.

FIG. 10D provides a perspective view of the mount 107 of FIG. 10Battached to the base 114 of FIG. 10C. The base attachment region 110 ofthe mount 107 is slid into the mount attachment region 118 of the base114. The right slot 115 a of the base 114 is shown interacting with theright slot 110 a of the mount 107. The right slot 115 a of the base 114covers the right slot 110 a of the mount 107, so it cannot be seen inthis perspective. In this configuration, the sled 1 can be attached tothe hinges shown on the mount using the adapters 80, 90 shown in FIGS.9A-9G. The base can be attached to an article or structure. For example,the article or structure could be a helmet, skateboard, surfboard, hat,lanyard or wall.

FIG. 10E provides a perspective view of the mounts shown in FIG. 10D andFIG. 9G. The mount attached to the sled 1 protrudes two hinges 94 a and94 b that interlock with the hinges 108 a, 108 b and 108 c. The pin 109is inserted through the hole made when these hinges properly interlock.A mount tensioning member 116 allows for tension to be applied to thehinges across the length of the pin. This holds the sled 1 in place inrelation to the mount 107 and base 114.

FIG. 10F provides a side perspective view of the mount 107 attached tothe base 114 as well as the mount adapter 90 shown in FIG. 9E. The useof the mount 107 and mount adapter 90 together allows the sled 1 to bearticulated in relation to the base 114 at two points, providingadditional flexibility to the positioning of the sled 1. FIG. 10Gprovides a perspective view of the mount 107 and mount adapter 90 shownin FIG. 10F and FIG. 9E joined to the sled 1 and the base 114 of FIG.10C. The hinge interfaces 91 a, 91 b and 91 c interlock with the hingeinterfaces of 94 a and 94 b. These form a channel that the pin 93 passesthrough. The assembly further includes a mount tensioning member 117analogous to the pin tightener described above for FIG. 10E.

FIG. 11A provides a perspective view of the mount 107 and mount adapter90 attached to a suction cup base 125. In the embodiment shown, twomounts are used with the sled as shown in FIG. 10G. The mount 107 shownin FIG. 10G is then attached to the suction cup base 125 instead of thebase shown in FIG. 10G. The suction cup base 125 can be adjusted usingthe mount tensioning member 119 and/or the arm hinge tensioning member121. Thus, the orientation of the mount with respect to the suction cup122 b can be adjusted at two points on the suction cup base 125. Vacuumis created within the suction cup 122 b by manipulating the vacuum arm122 c on the top casing of the suction cup 122 a. The vacuum can berelease by pressing the vacuum release button 122 d. FIG. 11B shows thesuction cup base 125 and mounts from a different perspective with thesled 1 attached to the mount adaptor 90.

FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of a basewith a suction cup bottom 97. This base has a ball mount 98 forinteracting with the tensioning member 68 described in FIG. 6E. Thismounting system allows for the sled 1 to be articulated at the positionthat the tensioning member 68 interacts with the ball mount 98, but alsoat the ball mount hinge 99 a, tightened by the ball mount hingetensioning member 99 b. Thus, a sled 1 positioned on the ball mount 98would be able to rotate and bend via its interaction via the tensioningmember 68. Also, the ball mount 98 itself can articulate from side viaits ball mount hinge 99 a. Further, the arm hinge 99 c allows the entirearm comprising the ball mount hinge 99 a and ball mount hinge tensioningmember 99 b to articulate along another axis, via manipulation of thearm hinge tensioning member 99 d.

Vacuum is created within the suction cup 100 d by manipulating thevacuum arm 100 b on top casing of the suction cup 100 c. The vacuum canbe release by pressing the vacuum release button 100 a.

FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of the ball mount 98, as well as itsball mount hinge 99 a and ball joint hinge tensioning member. FIG. 11Eshows a view of the bottom of the suction cup base 97. This view showsthe suction cup 100 d as well as the vacuum release tab 100 e. After thevacuum arm 100 b and vacuum release button 100 a have been manipulated,the vacuum release tab can be pulled to release the vacuum and removethe suction cup base 97 from a surface.

FIG. 11F shows a perspective view of the suction cup base 97 attached toa sled 1 via its tensioning member 68 at the ball mount. This allows forthe sled 1 to be rotated and articulated in any direction and removesthe necessity of two or more mounts as described in FIG. 11B. However,the mounts and sled described herein are compatible with either thehinged or ball joint mechanism.

FIG. 11G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a sledattached to a suction cup base. Similar embodiments of the sled are alsoshown in FIGS. 1D-1H and similar embodiments of the clasping element 14and the locking element 15 are shown in FIGS. 2H-2M. The sled includes aclasping element 14 and locking element 15 held between clasp retainingelements 14 o and 14 p. The sled also includes hard stops 16 a and 16 b,supporting elements 30 a and 30 b, cutout portion 32 b (cutout portion32 a not shown), and supporting element cutouts 30 c and 30 d. Thesuction cup base is attached to the sled at elongated member 10, thesuction cup base including a tensioning member 68, an suction cup arm120 attached to a ball mount (not shown), an arm hinge tensioning member121 that allows adjustment of the orientation of the suction cup arm120. FIG. 11H provides a perspective view of an alternativeconfiguration of the sled attached to a suction cup base of FIG. 11G, inwhich the sled is rotated horizontally on the ball mount (not shown)relative to the suction cup arm 120.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a broad base 123 similar to the onedescribed in FIG. 10C. However, the broad base 123 of FIG. 12A has alarger surface area to contact an article or structure. This surfacearea is made up of a skirt region 124 around the mount attachment region118. For example, the article or structure could be a helmet,skateboard, surfboard, hat, lanyard or wall. This larger surface areaallows greater stability for the base when it is attached to an articleor structure. The cut out 126 on the broad base 123 allows for easierremoval of the broad base 123 from an article or structure after it hasbeen adhered to an article or structure.

FIG. 12B shows the broad base 123 of FIG. 12A with the mount 107 shownin FIG. 10B attached. FIG. 12C shows the sled 1 attached to the samemount 107 and broad base 123. In other embodiments, the mount couldinclude the ball mount 98 shown in FIGS. 11C-F.

FIG. 13A shows a sled 1, mount tensioning member 116, and mountingsystem for a tube 135, for example, a tube on the frame of a bicycle.The mounting system for a tube 135 allows the tube to pass through itscentral cavity 134. The tightening screws 129 a and 129 b are thenadjusted to decrease the size of the central cavity 134 to fit the tube.The hinge mount 131 found on the mounting system for a tube 135 can theninteract with the sled like the mounts shown in FIGS. 11A-B. FIG. 13Bshows the mounting system assembled with the sled 1. In otherembodiments, the mount could include the ball mount 98 shown in FIGS.11C-F.

FIG. 14A shows a harness system 136 for mounting the sled 1 on a humanbody. The harness system 136 is attached to a mounting system 137 thatis positioned on the body of the wearer. The mount 107 on the mountingsystem 137 is the same mount shown in FIG. 10B and can be positioned onthe mounting system using a similar mount attachment region 118. Howeverthe mount could include the ball mount 98 shown in FIGS. 11C-F. FIG. 14Bshows the same mounting system 136 with a sled 1 attached. FIG. 14Cshows the mounting system as it would be arranged as worn by a personfrom the front. FIG. 14C shows how the strap system 138 is applied to aperson. The right 138 a and left shoulder straps 138 b pass over theshoulders of the subject and attach to the top end of the mountingsystem. The right 138 d and left waist straps 138 c. The size of thestraps in the strap system 138 can be adjusted using the adjustor 139shown on the left waist strap. In other embodiments, it could be on anyof the straps. FIG. 14D provides a back view. The right 138 a and leftshoulder straps 138 b meet at the shoulder strap connector 141. Theright 138 d and left waist straps 138 c meet at the waist strapconnector 142. The back strap 138 e connects the shoulder strapconnector 141 and the waist strap connector 142. The strap system can beone as shown in FIGS. 14A-D or the strap system shown in FIGS. 7E-7Qcould also be used.

FIG. 15A shows a head harness system 143 for mounting the sled 1 to ahuman head. The head strap system 144 is attached to a mounting system145 that is positioned on the head of the wearer. The mount 107 on themounting system 145 is the same mount shown in FIG. 10B, however themount could include the ball mount 98 shown in FIGS. 11C-F. The sled 1is also shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15B shows the same head harness system143 with the sled 1 attached. FIG. 15C shows the head harness system 143as it would be arranged as worn by a person from the front. The leftstrap 144 a, right strap 144 b and top strap all contact the mountingsystem and pass to the back of the head of the wearer. FIG. 15D providesa view of the mounting system 143 with the sled 1 attached as worn by aperson. The strap system 144 can be one as shown in FIGS. 14A-C or thestrap system shown in FIGS. 7E-7Q could also be used.

FIG. 16A provides a front proximal perspective view of a case with acharging system 146 that allows an electronic device contained withinthe case 146 without opening the case 146. The four connectors 147 a,147 b, 147 c and 147 d at the bottom of the case 146 are electricallyjoined to the electronic device within the case 146. Two of theconnectors are electrically + and − leads, while the other twoconnectors send and receive data. This arrangement of connectors isexemplary. Any arrangement could be used that allowed the electronicdevice to be charged without opening the case. FIG. 16B provides a frontdistal perspective view of the same case 146. FIG. 16C provides a rearproximal view of the same case 146. FIG. 16D provides a rear distal viewof the same case. FIG. 16E provides a rear proximal view of the samecase 146. FIG. 16F provides another rear proximal view of the same case.

FIG. 17A shows a front proximal view of the same case 146. Here, theproximal door 148 of the case 146 has been removed, showing the 30 pinconnector 149 that interfaces with the electronic device to providepower and data syncing. The proximal aperture 150 of the case 146 isalso shown. The proximal aperture 150 has a 30 pin socket 153 forinsertion of the 30 pin connector 149. According to certain embodiments,the proximal aperture interacts with the proximal door 148 to create awatertight seal. Tabs on the front 151 and rear 152 sides of the case146 allow the proximal door 148 to be attached securely to the case 146.

FIG. 17B shows the opposite perspective of the proximal door 148 of thecase 146. The connection between the four connectors 147 a, 147 b, 147 cand 147 d that pass through the proximal wall 155 of the proximal door148 and the 30 pin connector 149 are shown. The wires connecting thefour connectors 154 a, 154 b, 154 c and 154 d with the 30 pin connector149 are exaggerated in size to show the connection.

FIG. 17C shows the same perspective with the four connectors 147 a, 147b, 147 c and 147 d hidden behind a circuit board 156 and the wires 154a, 154 b, 154 c and 154 d connecting the circuit board 156 and fourconnectors 147 a, 147 b, 147 c and 147 d with the 30 pin connector 149are hidden behind the 30 pin connector 149. FIG. 17D provides a sideperspective of the proximal door 148 of the case 146. The proximal door148 has a U-shaped design. The front 157 and rear walls 158 of theproximal door 148 contain tabs 157 a and 158 a that allow the proximaldoor 148 to attach to the front 151 and rear 152 sides of the proximalaperture 150 and thereby attach to the case 146. These tabs 157 a and158 a interact with the front 151 and rear walls 152 of the proximalopening 150 to create tension, holding the proximal door 148 in placewhen it is inserted into the proximal opening 150 in the case 146.

FIG. 17E provides a view of the proximal opening of the case 146 as wellas a side view of the proximal door 148. FIG. 17F shows outside andinside perspectives of the proximal door 148. FIG. 17G shows theproximal door 148 being inserted into the proximal opening 150 of thecase 146. FIG. 17H is a side view of the proximal door being insertedinto the proximal opening of the case. The tabs 157 a and 158 a in thefront 157 and rear walls 158 of the proximal door 148 are shown.

In some embodiments of the case, the proximal door is detachable fromthe case, and may or may not remain connected to the case by a tether.In some embodiments, the proximal door is attached to the case by ahinge. The proximal door may be chamfered in order to guide the doorinto the case and allow the interface connector (e.g. a 30 pinconnector) attached to the proximal door to contact a port for a devicein the case. A gasket may be affixed to either the proximal aperture orthe proximal door to aid in creating a watertight seal. The circuitboard in the proximal door may also aid in creating a watertight seal.

In some embodiments of the case, only two connectors may be used, forexample as electrical + and − leads, or as connectors to send andreceive data. In some embodiments, more than four connectors may beused. The connectors may be able to transmit digital, analog, or opticalsignal data, such as audio, video, control signals, security signals,biometric data, and the like. In some embodiments, the connectors may beable to transmit fluids, such as gas or liquid as part of supplyingpower from a fuel cell. The connectors may be proud, recessed, or flushwith the edge of the case. The connectors may be tensioned or sprung.

The interface connector may be, for example, a 30 pin connector, a USBconnector (standard, mini, or micro), a LIGHTNING connector, or aDISPLAYPORT connector (standard or mini). The connectors that passthrough the proximal door are sealed to prevent liquid from passingthrough the proximal door. The connectors that pass through the proximaldoor may be constructed from any suitable material that can transmit asignal, such as beryllium copper. Preferably, the connectors areresistant to corrosion, and may be coated in a corrosion resistantsubstance, such as gold or gold alloy.

In some embodiments the proximal door may also contain an integratedcircuit (IC) in communication with the interface connector. The IC maybe an authentication IC that allows one or more software applications onthe device to confirm that the case is in use with the device. Theauthentication IC may also confirm that the case is not a counterfeit.In some embodiments, an authentication IC is housed within the interfaceconnector. In some embodiments, the authentication IC is housed in asled, such as the sled shown in FIGS. 18A-C and described below.

In some embodiments, the proximal door may also contain a sensor toensure that a signal or electrical power only passes through when thecase containing the device is actually docked. The sensor may have atransmitter, a receiver, or both a transmitter and receiver andcommunicates with the circuit board in the proximal door. The sensor maybe any sensor suitable for detecting docking, such as an optical sensor,magnetic sensor, pressure sensor or voltage sensor. In some embodiments,a radio frequency identification chip (RFID chip) may be attached to theproximal door. The RFID chip may passive, active, or battery-assistedpassive. The device inside the case, or another device, may be able tointerrogate the RFID chip and receive radio signals transmittedtherefrom. If the proximal door is detached from the case, the device inthe case, or another device, may be able to detect the RFID chip in theproximal door when it is within the interrogation zone of the RFID chip,regardless of whether the proximal door is clearly visible to the user.In some embodiments, a sensor or RFID chip is housed in a sled, such asthat shown in FIGS. 18A-C and described below.

FIG. 18A provides a front perspective of a sled 1 that has been fittedwith a charging system for an electronic device held inside the case 146described in FIGS. 17A-17H or a case with similar power transmissionmechanism in its proximal region. At the proximal end 162 of the sled 1are four electronic posts 159 that correspond with four connectors inthe proximal door 148 of a case for an electronic device. These posts159 could be arranged to fit with any arrangement of connectors on theproximal door 148 or proximal end of a case. The four posts 159 areconnected to a 12V car plug 161 by a wire 160. However, any plug to apower source could be used. A two prong or three prong plug for any wallsocket could be used. Also, any data/power plugs that interact with acomputer including USB and FireWire plugs could also be used.

FIG. 18B shows the same sled 1 shown in FIG. 18A mounted on a suctioncup base 163 via a ball mount. The suction cup base 163 is attached tothe sled via a ball mount held within a tensioning element 68 attachedto the sled 1. The suction cup base includes a suction cup 163 c inwhich a vacuum is created using the vacuum lever 163 a. The cup body 163b provides stability for the suction cup base 163 on the suction cup 163c. The suction cup tab 163 d allows for easier removal of the suctioncup 163 c upon release of the vacuum lever 163 a.

FIG. 18C shows the same sled 1 and suction cup base 163 from theopposite side. FIG. 18D shows the same sled with a suction mount fromthe bottom. From this perspective, the ball joint 164 can be seen withinthe ball attachment member receiving receptacle 62 surrounded by thetensioning member 68. This perspective also provides a view of a 30 pinsocket 165 for powering and providing data connection to the four posts.This sled could be used with any mount, including those shown in FIGS.11A-11F.

FIG. 19A shows a magnified view of the four posts 159 on the proximalend 162 of the sled 1 that interact with four connectors on the proximalend of a case. The posts are held inside the proximal corners of thesled 1. FIG. 19B shows the back proximal end of the sled. This end has asocket for a 30 pin connector 165 to connect the four posts 159 to powerand/or data. Also shown is a 30 pin connector 166 that could connect viathe wire to a plug for transmission of power or data. FIG. 19C shows a30 pin connector 166 being inserted into the socket 165 on the proximalrear end 162 of the sled 1. Also shown is the tensioner 68 surroundingthe ball joint 164. FIG. 19D shows a magnified view of the four posts159 on the sled 1 that interact with the four connectors 147 a, 147 b,147 c and 147 d on the proximal door 148 of the case 146. FIG. 19Eprovides a front proximal perspective view of a case 146 with a chargingsystem that allows an electronic device contained within the casewithout opening the case. FIG. 19F shows the same view as FIG. 19Bwithout the 30 pin connector plug.

FIG. 20A shows the sled 1 with the four posts 159 and the case 46 withthe four connectors 147 a, 147 b, 147 c and 147 d on its proximal door148. The suction cup base 163 is also shown. FIG. 20B shows how the case46 fits into the sled 1.

FIG. 21A shows an embodiment, where the proximal door 148 is directlyconnected to a source of power/data transmission via a wire 165. In thisembodiment, the inner walls 157 and 158 of the door have triangular tabs157 b and 158 b on them that assist the proximal door 148 in attachingto the proximal opening 150 on the case 146. FIG. 21B is a side view ofthe same proximal door 148. The proximal door 148 is the same asdescribed above, except that the four connectors are replaced with aplug directly wired 165 to a power source or data transmission source.In certain embodiments, an O-ring is placed around the inner door plug166 from which the 30 pin connector 149 extends. This O-ring enhancesthe waterproof aspect of the case. Also shown are the triangular tabs inthe front 157 b and rear walls 158 b of the proximal door 148. The frontwall tab 157 a is also present. FIG. 21C is a perspective view of theproximal door.

FIG. 21D provides a side perspective of a USB connector 167. In certainembodiments, this USB connector 167 is used to connect the wire 165integrated into the proximal door 148 to a computer or plug for accessto a power or data source. FIG. 21E provides a proximal side view of theproximal door 148. In this embodiment, the triangular tabs 157 b and 158b are absent on the front 157 and rear 158 sides of the proximal door148. In this embodiment, the tabs 157 and 158 a shown on the front 157and rear 158 sides of the proximal door 148 hold the door in place whenit is inserted into the proximal aperture 150 of the case 146. FIG. 21Fprovides a rear view of the case 146 showing an additional embodiment ofthe proximal door 148. In this embodiment, the proximal door 148 isattached to the case 146 by a hinge 167. FIG. 21G shows a front view ofthe back half of the case 168 with the attached proximal door 148attached via a hinge 167. This embodiment has the curved tabs 157 a and158 a shown in FIG. 21E.

FIG. 22A shows a front view an inductive coil 170 that, in certainembodiments, is installed into the cases 146 described, herein. Theinductive coil 170 allows for charging of the electronic device insidethe case 146 without opening the case 146. Indeed, the inductive coil170 allows for charging of the electronic device without penetrating thecase 146 with a wire of any kind. The inductive coil 170 is linked to a30 pin plug 149 via a circuit board 171 and wires 172. When theinductive coil in the case is in sufficient proximity to a secondinduction coil connected to a power source, the proximity of the twoinduction coils forms a transformer and allows a charging voltage to besupplied to the device. In some embodiments, the inductive coil isconnected to another type of connector or plug capable of supplyingpower to the device, such as a USB connector (standard, mini, or micro)or a LIGHTNING connector. The 30 pin connector 149 can be inserted intothe electronic device or into an adapter in the case 146 to charge thedevice from the coil 170. FIG. 22B shows a rear view of the sameinductive coil 170. In some embodiments, the connector or plug forsupplying power is part of a waterproof proximal door, such as thatdescribed above and in FIGS. 16-17. In some embodiments, the case lacksa proximal door and the connector for supplying power is attacheddirectly to the case.

FIG. 22C provides a front detailed view of the wire 172 and 30 pinconnector 149. The 30 pin connector 149 is pointed back toward theinductive coil 170. Thus, the electronic device can plug into theconnector 149 on its proximal end and be laid on top of the coil 170FIG. 22D shows a rear detailed view of another embodiment of the wire172 and 30 pin connector 149. In this embodiment, the 30 pin connector149 projects 90 degrees from the wire 172 perpendicular to the surfaceof the wire 172 and the inductive coil 170. This orientation isappropriate for electronic devices with a connector on their rearsurface or for interacting with an adapter that plugs directly into theelectronic device.

FIG. 22E provides a proximal rear perspective of the case 146 includingan inductive coil 170. This proximal end of the case has a proximalaperture 150 that has not been covered by a proximal door 148. FIG. 22Fshows the inductive coil 170 shown in 22B positioned along the rearportion 168 of a case 146. The wire 172 extending from the coil 170enters the proximal aperture 150 at the proximal end of the case 146.FIG. 22G provides a rear proximal view of the case 146 with the shape ofthe inductive coil 170 shown through the surface of the rear portion 168of the case. The circuit board 171 at the proximal end of the wire 172extends from the inductive coil 170 to the proximal aperture 150. FIG.22H provides a proximal view of the case 146 showing the interior of theproximal aperture 150 and the circuit board 173 within. Again, theinductive coil 170 is shown through the rear surface of the rear portion168 of the case 146. FIG. 22I is a front view of the proximal end of therear portion 168 of the case 146. Here, the circuit board 171 is shownwhile the inductive coil 170 is hidden, embedded in the rear wall of therear portion 168 of the case 146. The proximal door 148 is configuredwith a hinge 167 and is shown closed. FIG. 22J provides a perspectiveview of the rear portion 168 of the case 146 with the inductive coil 170embedded in the rear wall of the rear portion 168 of the case 146. Theproximal door 148 is shown configured with a hinge 167 and open. In someembodiments, the proximal door is not connected to the case, or islinked to the case via a tether. The circuit board 171 is connected tothe door 148 by a wire 172. FIG. 22K shows the rear view of the case.The inductive coil and associated circuitry is embedded inside the wallof the case 146.

FIG. 22L shows a charger 174 that is associated with the inductive coilembodiment of the case 146. The charger 174 is shaped to hold the case146 over a second induction coil 175 that energizes the inductive coil170. The second induction coil receives electrical power from a powersource, such as a battery, generator, or from a wall socket. The wire176 at the distal end of the charger 174 is connected to a power source,and is electrically connected with the second induction coil. FIG. 22Mshows the case 146 with an inductive coil 170 containing an electronicdevice interacting with the inductive charger 174. Note that the case146 does not have to directly contact the inductive charger 174 in orderfor power to flow to the inductive coil 170 and thus to the electronicdevice. In certain embodiments, the inductive charger 174 is shaped sothat the case 146 can be laid down into it, but the charger 174 couldalso be flat with the case 146 laid on top of it in any orientation,such as the perpendicular orientation shown in FIG. 22M. The inductioncoil in the case and the second induction coil in the inductive chargermerely need to be in sufficient proximity and alignment to allow the twocoils to interact electromagnetically and allow power transfer betweenthem. In some embodiments, the inductive charger is sealed in a mannerto prevent liquid, such as water, from entering the inductive charger.In some embodiments, the inductive charger allows charging of a deviceinside a case when exposed to a liquid, such as water.

FIG. 23A shows a sled 1 with a 30 pin connector 177 associated with it.This 30 pin connector 177 can plug directly to an electronic devicecontained within a case 146 that has a proximal door 148 that allowsdirect access to the device. FIG. 23B shows a similar sled 1, whereininstead of a 30 pin connector 177, the sled 1 includes a four postdevice 178 that can interact with the four connector embodiment of thecase 146.

FIG. 23C shows a socket for a 30 pin connector for receiving a 30 pininsertion portion there within for the purpose of charging and/ortransmitting data when coupled to both an electronic device and a 30 pinconnector power cord/data transfer cord. The socket may be positionedany suitable place on the stand, and in this instance is positioned atthe proximal rear end. In certain embodiments, the socket is positionedon the proximal rear portion of the sled 1.

FIG. 23D shows a front proximal perspective of the rear portion 168 ofthe case 146 with a proximal door 148 with four pins 181 a, 181 b, 181c, and 181 d for interacting with the posts shown in FIG. 23B. Thesepins 181 a, 181 b, 181 c, and 181 d can be in any number or anyconfiguration appropriate for transmitting power and/or data to theelectronic device inside the case 146. The pins in the proximal door 148communicate electronically to the electronic device via the wires 154 a,154 b, 154 c and 154 d and 30 pin connector 149. The wires 154 a, 154 b,154 c and 154 d sizes are exaggerated to show the connection.

FIG. 23E shows view of the proximal interior of a stand 182 for anelectronic device held with the case 146 shown above in FIG. 23D. Thefour pins 181 a, 181 b, 181 c, and 181 d on the proximal door 148 of thecase 146 meet with the pins 180 a, 180 b, 180 c and 180 d at theproximal base 183 of this stand 182. FIG. 23F shows a rear view of thestand 182. A socket for a 30 pin connector 184 is shown in the rearportion of the stand 182 connecting to the four pins 180 a, 180 b, 180 cand 180 d shown in FIG. 23E. This form of connection to power and/ordata is exemplary. Any connection form can be used to transmit powerand/or data to the stand and thereby to the electronic device in thecase 146. This perspective also provides a view of the base 185 of thestand 182. FIG. 23G shows the case 146 positioned inside the stand 182so that the pins 181 a, 181 b, 181 c, and 181 d in the proximal door 148of the case 146 are in contact with the pins 180 a, 180 b, 180 c and 180d in the stand 182. This allows the electronic device inside the case146 to be charged and/or synced without opening the case 146. FIG. 23His a front view of the case 146 inside the stand 182.

FIG. 24A shows a front view of a battery 101 a that can be used inconjunction with the case described herein to provide a supplementalpower source to an electronic device. The battery 101 a is connected toa circuit board 102 by two wires, a left wire 101 b and a right wire 101c. The connection between the battery and a circuit board can be madeusing any method known in the art. In certain embodiments, a circuitboard is not needed and the battery is connected directly to anelectronic device through a wire and/or a connector. Also, shown in a 30pin connector 103 that connects the battery to a socket on theelectronic device. This 30 pin connector 103 can be oriented in anydirection that allows easy access for the 30 pin connector 103 to theelectronic device. In addition to a 30 pin connector, the connector thatconnects the battery to a socket on the electronic device may be anysuitable connector known in the art, such as a USB connector (standard,mini, micro) or LIGHTNING connector.

FIG. 24B shows the battery 101 a from a rear view. The left 101 b andright 101 c wires are both shown connecting the battery 101 a to thecircuit board 102. Also shown on the circuit board is a micro-USBconnector 104. The micro-USB connector 104 is used to provide dataaccess to the electronic device while it is electronically coupled tothe battery 101 a. The micro-USB connector 104 or any other type ofconnector serving the same function, can be positioned near the proximalend of the circuit board or the battery to allow access to theconnector. FIG. 24C shows the battery 101 a positioned on the rearportion of a case 105. The battery 101 a is positioned on or within therear portion of the case 105. The micro-USB connector 104 can beaccessed through the proximal door 106 at the proximal end of the case105. This way, data can be transmitted to and from the electronic devicewithout disconnecting it from the battery 101 a. In certain embodiments,the micro-USB connector 104 is replaced with other connection options,such as other USB configurations or a 30 pin configuration. In certainembodiments, the electronic device and the battery 101 a can both becharged through connecting through micro-USB connector 104, or anothertype of connector to a power source.

The invention also envisions cases, including battery-containing cases(see e.g., FIGS. 24A-C), which also include a powered flash unitintegrated into the rear portion of a case. Depending on the number andposition of the electronic digital camera(s) included in the electronicdevice to be housed inside the case, the flash unit may either serve asthe primary or sole flash for the associated camera or as asupplementary flash to a flash unit included in the electronic device.

Preferably, the case-mounted flash will be synchronized with the digitalcamera with which it is associated when the device is housed within thecase. In many embodiments this accomplished using a preferablyprogrammable electronic timing circuit, which can either be in thedevice or in the case. When the timing circuit is in the device, thecase-mounted flash of the invention is in electrical communication withdevice so that it can be triggered under when necessary. In suchembodiments, the interior of the case includes the electronic circuitryand connections required to provide electrical communication and controlbetween the timing circuit and flash unit. When the timing circuit is inthe case, the case includes the required electronics.

In other embodiments, there is no electrical connection between thecamera and case-mounted flash for purposes of controlling thecase-mounted flash. For example, if the device itself includes a flashunit associated with the electronic digital camera, in some embodimentsthe case-mounted flash unit can be triggered using a case-mountedoptical sensor to sense firing of the device's flash. When thecase-mounted sensor senses a flash from the master flash of the device,an electronic controller in the case that controls firing of thecase-mounted flash triggers the case-mounted flash to fire. Energy forthe case-mounted flash can be drawn from the battery of the supplementalpower source housed inside the case, although in some embodiments,energy may be drawn from the device's internal power supply. In suchembodiments, the case includes circuitry that provides electricalcommunication between the device's power supply and the case-mountedflash.

FIG. 24D depicts a representative example of a case that includes aflash unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the case-mounted poweredflash unit 190 is integrated into the rear portion of a case 105.Required electrical connections between the case-mounted flash unit anddevice are provided on the interior portion of the case (not shown).

FIGS. 25A-B show an imaging system that a case 200 for an electronicdevice (not shown) having at least one built-in camera, such as a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone 4S, an iPhone 5, a Galaxy S, etc.) and adetachable lens 210. The case 200 can include an attachment point ormount 201 for an easily mounted, detachable camera lens 210 in a regionof the case 202 that includes an optically clear region 203 that alignswith the device when it is properly positioned in the case. In otherembodiments, instead of an optically clear region that aligns with anelectronic device when positioned in the case, this region of the caseincludes a feature (or combination of features), preferably providing awatertight connection, that allow for attachment of any complementarydetachable lens. For example, this region of the case may include athreaded port into which a threaded plug having an optically clearwindow can be inserted. When desired, the plug can be readily removedand replaced by a detachable camera lens having a complementary threadedconnection.

The detachable lens 210 can be of any suitable variety, including afish-eye, wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, or macro lens or assembly oflenses. If desired, the lens 210 can also accommodate one or moreoptical filters adapted for attachment to the front of the lens,opposite the end of the lens adapted for detachable connection with thecase.

The attachment point or mount 201 of the case can include any mechanicalor other attachment element, or combinations or grouping of mechanicalor other attachment elements, compatible with the complementary mountingfeature(s) on the mounting surface 211 of the detachable lens 210. Suchattachment features include threaded or flange-type connectors, as wellas magnetic connectors. Also included in the invention are embodimentswherein the connection between the case 200 and detachable lens 210 iswaterproof. Preferably, a watertight seal between the case and lens isachieved using a gasket or seal disposed on periphery of the mountingsurface of the detachable lens.

FIG. 25A shows a representative example of a particular mounting systemthat uses ferromagnetic force to detachably connect the lens to thecase. As is known, magnetic force can be used to detachably connectcomponents that each have a magnet, the poles of which are preferablyoriented to maximize magnetic attraction between the magnets so as tofacilitate and/or stabilize lens attachment to the case. Alternatively,one of the two components (i.e., the detachable lens or the case) maycontain a magnet while the other component contains a ferromagneticmaterial (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys containing such substances,lodestone, and the like). In such embodiments, magnetic force can beused to rapidly, easily, and reversibly attach the detachable lens tothe case. If desired, other features, such as one or more complementaryalignment pins and holes, ridges, bumps, etc. can be included on themounting surface 211 of the detachable lens 210 and attachment point ormount 201 of the case to ensure proper alignment of the lens with thecase, and ultimately, with a camera disposed on the device housed withinthe case.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25B, the mounting surface 211 ofthe detachable lens 210 includes a ring-shaped magnet or magnetizedregion 212. As those in the art will appreciate, other magnetconfigurations can be used, including those where a face or surface ofthe magnet(s) are not exposed and instead are positioned just below themounting surface 211 of the lens 210. Similarly, the component(s) in theattachment point or mount 201 of the case can include one or moreappropriately oriented magnets or be ferromagnetic such that theferromagnetic magnet(s) are magnetically attracted to the magnetizedregion of the lens 210 when the two are positioned near enough forsecure yet detachable connection.

FIGS. 26A-C illustrate cross section side views of an embodiment of acase that has a proximal opening and a connector that forms a watertightseal when inserted into the proximal opening. FIG. 26A shows a portionof a mobile device 280 with a port 282 to receive a connector. Themobile device is inside a case 283 having a proximal opening 285 that isproximate the port 282. A water sealed connector 286 is near theproximal opening 285. The water sealed connector can mate with the port,and may be any suitable connector, such as a 30 pin connector, a USBconnector (e.g. standard, mini, or micro), LIGHTNING connector, orDISPLAYPORT connector. The water sealed connector is sealed from entryby water or aqueous liquids at connector sealed points 289 a, 289 b, 289c, 289 d. Sealing of the connector sealed points may be accomplished,for example, using a sleeve or coating formed from a material thatresists or repels water (e.g. rubber or silicon). The water sealedconnector 286 may have a connector gasket 287 that surrounds a portionof the water sealed connector 286, such that when the connector isinserted through the proximal opening and mated with the port, awatertight seal is formed between the proximal opening of the case andthe water sealed connector. FIG. 26B illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the proximal opening, in which a proximal opening gasket284 is molded to a portion of the inner face 285 b of the proximalopening 285 a of the case 283.

FIG. 26B also illustrates an embodiment of the water sealed connector286 that includes a connector face gasket 281. One of skill in the artwould understand that the connector face gasket of FIG. 26B could beused in combination with the connector gasket shown in FIG. 26A. Theconnector face gasket can also be used to provide a watertight sealbetween the water-sealed connector and the mobile device. When the watersealed connector is inserted into the proximal opening and mated withthe port of the mobile device, a watertight seal is formed between theinner face of the proximal opening of the case and the water sealedconnector. FIG. 26C illustrates the water sealed connector 286 of FIG.26A inserted into the proximal opening of the case 283 and mated withthe mobile device port 282. Proximal opening gasket 284 seals theproximal opening from entry of water or other aqueous liquids.

FIG. 27 shows a waterproof microphone and controller 300 for anelectronic cord, in accordance with preferred implementations. Thewaterproof microphone and controller 300 can be used with a mobilecomputing device, or with an encasement for a mobile computing device,as described herein. The waterproof microphone and controller 300includes a body 302 that encases an electronic controller and microphone(not shown). The body 302 can be formed of any type of water or liquidresistant material, and may include one or more sealing members to sealthe electronic controller and microphone from intrusion by a liquid suchas water. In some implementations, the material is silicone, but mayinclude plastic, metal, or any other material that can be sealed againstliquid intrusion.

In some implementations, the body 302 includes opposing sock members 304for receiving and coupling with distal ends of electric cables 305. Thedistal ends of the cables 305 may include a special electronicinterface. In preferred implementations, the sock members 304 areconfigured for being overlaid on the distal ends of the cable. One ormore collets 303 can be coupled around each of the sock members 304,preferably as a final assembly step. The collets 303 slightly crush thematerial that forms the body 302 and/or sock members 304 to form awatertight seal, so that no water can get in by the cable insulationjacket and/or sock members 304. In some implementations, the opposingsock members 304 are unitary with at least part of the body 302. Inother implementations, the body 302 can include additional jackets foroverlaying the sock members 304.

The body 302 includes one or more control button regions 306 forenabling operation and control of control buttons, switches, latches,etc., of the electronic microphone and controller within the body 302.For instance, the body 302 can include a volume up, volume down, mute,or other button. The body 302 further includes one or more sealedapertures 308 that are sealed by a water impermeable film or fabric,coupled with the material of the body 302 and overlaying a waterpermeable electronic feature such as a microphone or speaker. With thewaterproof microphone and controller 300 described herein, and itsvariants, an accessory such as a headphone, earpiece, microphone, cameraor other peripheral can be used with a waterproof encasement to encase amobile computing device.

In some embodiments of a housing, a mount adapter is built directly intothe rear surface of a waterproof housing for a mobile device, whilestill preventing entry of liquids, dirt, etc. when a mobile device issealed within the housing. The mount adapter can mate with mountadapters attached to other accessories, such as a suction cup mount, acar mount, a bicycle mount, belt clip, etc. The mount adapter built intothe case may also allow power and/or data connectivity with the mobiledevice encased in the housing. Embodiments of mounts with power and/ordata connectivity may be combined with locking mount memberselectrically connected to accessories such as a power cord, battery, ora speaker.

An exemplary embodiment of a waterproof housing combined with a mountadapter is shown in FIG. 28A. A sealed housing with an integral mount400 has a boss mount 401 that projects slightly outward from the rearsurface 402 of the housing. The boss mount may project outward between0.1 mm and 10 mm; the boss mount may project outward by 0.1 mm, 0.25 mm,0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm,or 10 mm. The boss mount has a boss cavity 403 projecting towards theinterior of the housing (interior not shown). The boss cavity contains aboss cavity gasket 404 and boss electrical contact 415. Boss flanges 405a, 405 b, 405 c, and 405 d project laterally over the boss cavity, andare separated by interflange gaps 406 a, 406 b, 406 c, and 406 d. Thenumber of boss flanges can vary; for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more bossflanges may be used.

FIGS. 28B, 28C, and 28D show perspective, top, and bottom views,respectively, of a locking mount member that fits into the boss mount ofFIG. 28A. FIG. 28B depicts locking mount member 408 having a lockingplate 409 with locking plate flanges 407 a, 407 b, 407 c, and 407 d. Thenumber of locking plate flanges can vary; for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ormore locking plate flanges may be used. Locking plate gasket face 410 isconfigured to contact boss cavity gasket 404 (see FIG. 28A) to form awaterproof seal. In some embodiments, the boss cavity has a gasket faceinstead of a gasket and the gasket is on the locking plate. The lockingmount member also has a locking member electrical contact 411,configured to mate with a boss electrical contact 415 at the bottom of aboss cavity when inserted into the boss mount. In some embodiments,optical connections may also be used to allow data connectivity betweenthe boss mount and the locking mount member.

FIG. 28C depicts a top view of a locking mount member. The locking plateis configured such that the locking plate may be inserted into the bosscavity, with the locking plate flanges 407 a-d fitting into theinterflange gaps 406 a-d (see FIG. 28A). The locking plate is thenrotated, allowing the boss flanges and the locking plate flanges to mateand removably lock the locking plate in the boss mount. In someembodiments, the locking plate is attached to a plate column 412. Theplate column can be any configuration that provides space between thelocking plate and any other mechanism to which it is attached. Forexample, the plate column may be between about 0.1 mm and 10 mm inheight; the plate column may have a height of about 0.1 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.5mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10mm. In some embodiments, the column can be a cylinder or have flat sides(e.g. a polygonal cross section). The column may be hollow or filled. Inone embodiment, the column has a cross configuration, such as that shownby the FIG. 28B.

FIG. 28D depicts a bottom view of a locking mount member 408. The bottomsurface of the locking plate flanges 407 a-d also have plate flangelocking members 413 a, 413 b, 413 c, and 413 d. The plate flange lockingmembers may be grooves, ridges, or a combination of grooves and ridges.The plate flange locking members mate with boss flange locking members,discussed below and shown in FIG. 28K. For example, if the plate flangelocking members are grooves, the grooves mate with boss flange lockingmembers that are ridges, helping prevent accidental rotation of thelocking plate when attached to the boss mount. In some embodiments, eachplate flange may have a plurality of plate flange locking members.

FIG. 28E depicts a view from inside the boss cavity looking outwards atthe boss flanges 405 a-d and interflange gaps 406 a-d. The boss flangeshave boss flange locking members 414 a, 414 b, 414 c, and 414 d. Theboss flange locking members may be grooves, ridges, or a combination ofgrooves and ridges, configured for interacting with plate flange lockingmembers 411 a-d (see FIG. 28D) when the locking plate is inserted intothe boss cavity and rotated.

FIG. 28F depicts a view of the interior of the bottom portion 415 of ahousing with a boss mount. The rear surface of the boss cavity 403projects inward towards the interior of the housing. The boss cavity issurrounded by a depression or trough 416. Boss electrical contacts 417a, 417 b, 417 c, and 417 d lie on the rear surface of the boss cavity.The boss metal contacts provide electrical connectivity between the bosscavity and the interior of the housing while maintaining a physical sealagainst liquids. The boss electrical contacts can be any shape, such asround or polygonal. FIG. 28F also depicts the bottom surface of bossflanges 405 a to 405 d (dotted lines) behind the rear surface of theboss cavity, as well as boss flange locking members 414 a-d.

FIG. 28G shows a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the boss mount inwhich a single boss electrical contact 417 is in the bottom of the bosscavity 403. The contact can be a ring contact, or a filled circlecontact. Alternatively, the bottom of the cavity may have a series ofconcentric ring contacts. FIG. 28H shows a cutaway view of the bottom ofthe boss cavity 403, with an alternative embodiment of boss electricalcontacts 417 a-d and boss cavity gasket 404. The configuration of theelectrical contact in the boss mount should match the electrical contacton the locking plate member that is inserted into the boss mount.

FIG. 28I depicts a side cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of theboss mount in which the boss electrical contacts 417 a and 417 c arelocated on the wall of the boss cavity 403. In this configuration, anembodiment of a locking mount member as depicted in FIG. 28J may beused. The locking mount member 408 has locking plate flanges 407 a-d,which have locking plate flange connectors 407 e, 407 f (not shown), 407g, and 407 h. The locking plate flange connectors are made of metal orare coated in metal to allow electrical connectivity with the bosselectrical contacts when the locking plate member is inserted into theboss mount.

FIG. 28K shows a side cutaway view of another alternative embodiment ofthe boss mount in which boss electrical contacts 417 a and 417 c arelocated underneath boss flanges 405 a and 405 c, facing into the bosscavity 403. In this configuration, the locking plate flanges of alocking plate member are made of metal or are coated in metal to allowelectrical connectivity with the boss electrical contacts when thelocking plate member is inserted into the boss mount. FIG. 28L shows analternative embodiment of the boss mount from inside the boss cavitylooking outwards towards the underside of the boss flanges. Boss flanges405 a-d have boss electrical contacts 417 a-d (shaded area) on theunderside of the flange. FIG. 28M shows still another alternativeembodiment of the boss mount from inside the boss cavity lookingoutwards towards the underside of the boss flanges. The boss electricalcontact 417 is a single ring that surrounds the perimeter of the bossmount, and allows locking plate flanges to have electrical contact withthe boss electrical contact in any orientation when inserted into theboss cavity.

FIGS. 28N and 28O depict perspective and side views, respectively, of anembodiment of a boss insert 418 that can be inserted into the bosscavity of an encasement. FIG. 28N depicts a perspective view of a bossinsert 418, including a locking plate 409 with locking plate flanges 407a-d, locking member electrical contact 411, plate column 412, and insertbase member 419. The insert base member includes a base member gasket420 near the perimeter of the of the insert base member, such that whenthe locking plate of the insert base member is inserted into the bosscavity and rotated, the base member gasket is compressed between thebase member and a boss perimeter gasket face of the boss mount member toform a waterproof seal. In some embodiments, an additional gasket orgasket face may be attached to the locking plate, as described above andshown in FIGS. 28B and 28C. FIG. 28O depicts a side view of boss insert418. Boss insert handling ridge 421 is located near the perimeter of thebase member 419 of the boss insert. The insert handling ridge isconfigured to allow a user to apply rotational force to the boss insertand more easily rotate the boss insert to attached and detach the bossinsert from the boss mount. The insert handling ridge can be at theoutermost perimeter of the base member, or it can be located closer tothe center of the base member. In some embodiments, the boss insert maylack a handling ridge and have a groove located near the center of thelocking plate that allows insertion of a tool, e.g. a coin, that be usedto rotate the boss insert, while allowing the boss insert to present asubstantially flat profile. The base member may have a round,elliptical, or polygonal shape, such as a triangle, rectangle, pentagon,hexagon, and the like. FIG. 28P shows a side cutaway view of a bosscavity 403, with a boss perimeter gasket face 422 that is substantiallyflat and allows a base member gasket to seal when a boss insert isinserted, rotated, and locked into a boss mount. In some embodiments, agasket may be disposed on the boss perimeter gasket face and a gasketface is disposed on the base member to facilitate sealing of the bosscavity.

FIG. 28Q shows an alternative embodiment of a locking mount member 408that includes sealing flanges 424 a, 424 b, 424 c, and 424 d seated inbetween locking plate flanges 407 a-d. The sealing flanges emerge from askirt 425, and are made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. Whenthe locking plate is inserted into a boss mount in a housing, thesealing flanges are prevented from entering the boss cavity by the bossflanges and flex away from the cavity. After the locking plate isrotated so that the boss flanges and locking plate flanges are mated ina removably locked position, the sealing flanges enter the gaps inbetween the boss flanges, facilitating sealing the boss cavity fromentry by water and dirt.

FIG. 28R depicts an embodiment of a bicycle mount having locking mountmember 408 attached to a ball joint assembly 66, described above (seealso FIGS. 6E to 6H). The ball joint assembly includes a ball memberassembly 67, bar attachment member 67 a and a tensioning element 68.FIG. 28S shows an alternative embodiment of a bicycle mount without aball member assembly and having a locking plate 408 attached directly tobar attachment member 67 a.

FIG. 28T depicts an embodiment of a locking mount member 408 attached toa suction cup base including tensioning member 68, a suction cup arm 120attached to a ball mount (not shown), an arm hinge tensioning member 121that allows adjustment of the orientation of the suction cup arm 120(see description above and FIG. 11H), and a suction cup 122 b. FIG. 28Ushows an alternative embodiment of a suction cup mount without a ballmember assembly and having a locking plate 408 attached directly tosuction cup arm 120.

FIG. 29A depicts a boss connection assembly that enables an electricalconnection for a power or data electrical signal to travel between theboss metal contacts (see FIG. 28E) and a mobile device encased in ahousing of the present invention. Boss connection assembly 450 includesa boss contact plate 451 with contact arms 452 a, 452 b, 452 c, 452 dthat are aligned with the rear surface of the boss cavity (see, e.g.FIG. 28H), and in electrical contact with the boss electrical contactsof a housing. The contact arms include a plurality of contact points456. Attached to the boss contact plate is an electrical ribbon cable453, circuit board 454, and connection assembly connector 455. Theconnection assembly connector depicted in FIG. 29A is a LIGHTNINGconnector; however, any connector suitable for connecting the mobiledevice to the boss connection assembly may be used, e.g. USB or 30 pinconnector. In some embodiments, the boss connection assembly iscompletely on the interior of the bottom portion of a housing, with theboss contact plate aligned with the boss electrical contacts in thebottom of the boss cavity, providing electrical contact with theexterior of the housing. In some embodiments, the boss contact platelies within the boss cavity facing the exterior of the case. A bossconnection cable runs through an aperture in the boss cavity, and theremainder of the assembly lies in the interior portion of the case.

FIG. 29B shows an alternative embodiment of a boss connection assembly.Boss contact plate 451 has concentric rings 451 a, 451 b, 451 c, 451 d,and 451 e, each of which can accommodate a different electrical signal(e.g. power, or different types of data). The concentric rings allowcontact between the contact plate and an analogous contact plate that ispart of a locking plate member having an electrical connection to apower source or source for data input and output. The locking platemember can have concentric rings similar to those depicted in FIG. 29B,or it may have a row of smaller contacts that align with each of theconcentric rings. In either configuration, the contacts on the lockingplate will align with the same ring regardless of how the locking platemember is rotated. FIG. 29C depicts a top view of a boss contact plate451 with concentric rings in the bottom of a boss cavity 403. FIG. 29Dshows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mount member408 having an array of contacts 411 a-e that can align with each of theconcentric rings in FIG. 29C, as described above.

In some embodiments, the connection assembly can have an induction coilthat allows for data or power communication between the device sealed inthe case and a power or data source external to the case without directcontact (see, e.g., above and FIGS. 22A-G). FIG. 29E shows anotheralternative embodiment of a boss connection assembly that utilizes amount induction coil. Boss connection assembly 450 includes a mountinduction coil 170 connected to an electrical ribbon cable 453, circuitboard 454, and connection assembly connector 455.

In an alternative embodiment of a boss mount built directly in anencasement and a mount adapter that fits into the mount, the cavity ofthe boss mount does not extend into the interior of the encasement,reducing the profile of the encasement. The boss mount also has a singleboss flange that lacks interflange gaps. Such a configuration allows amount adapter to be inserted into the boss mount without regard to theorientation of the mount adapter. FIG. 29F shows a rear surface 402 ofhousing with integral mount 400. Boss mount 401 has a single boss flange405 that overhangs the boss cavity 403. FIG. 29G depicts a perspectiveview of a mount adapter 426 that fits within the boss mount 401 of FIG.29F. The mount adapter has a flange assembly 428 with retractablelocking flanges 429 a, 429 b, 429 c, and 429 d, and a release trigger427. The number of retractable flanges may any number sufficient tomaintain the mount adapter in the boss mount, such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6flanges. The flange assembly also has a friction surface 430 on the topsurface of the flange assembly. The flange assembly sits on a mountcolumn 431 and can rotate relative to the mount column. The retractableflanges are held inside the flange assembly under tension, andactivation of the release trigger allows the flanges to emerge from theflange assembly. The release trigger may be a button on the top surfaceof the flange assembly, which requires force to depress and releaseretractable flanges housed inside the flange assembly. In someembodiments, the release trigger may be a magnetic material thatresponds to a magnetic field created by a magnetic material inside theboss cavity. When the release trigger is sufficiently close to themagnetic field in the boss cavity, the trigger is activated to releasethe flanges inside the flange assembly. FIG. 29H shows a side cutawayview of an embodiment of the mount adapter 426 in which the retractableflanges 429 a and 429 c are angled downward towards the mount column431. In some embodiments, the retractable flanges are angled upwardsaway from the mount column.

Insertion of mount adapter 426 into the boss cavity of boss mount 401 isaccomplished with the retractable flanges 429 a-d retracted into theflange assembly, preferably under tension, such as with a spring coil.FIG. 29I shows a side cutaway view of a mount adapter 426 in which theretractable flanges (not shown) are retracted inside the flange assembly428. Upon insertion of the mount adapter 426 into the boss cavity 403,and activation of the release trigger 427, the flanges are released andabut the underside of the boss flange 405, preventing the mount adapterfrom being removed from the boss mount. FIG. 29J depicts a mount adapter426 inserted into boss cavity 403, with release trigger 427 activatedand the retractable flanges 429 a and 429 c extended outwards followingrelease from the flange assembly 428. Abutment of the retractableflanges is not shown to maintain clarity of the figure; however, it ispreferred that the extended retractable flanges aid to prevent movementof the mount adapter inside the boss cavity.

In order to remove the mount adapter from the boss mount, the flangesare retracted into the flange assembly by rotating the flange assembly.Force is applied to the mount adapter perpendicular to the frictionsurface of the flange assembly and the mount column is rotated relativeto the mount post. This allows the flanges to be retracted back into theflange assembly and facilitates removal of the mount adapter from theboss mount. The flange assembly may be under tension, such as with aspring coil, to prevent accidental rotation of the assembly andunintentional removal of the mount adapter.

In some embodiments of a boss mount that does not extend into theinterior of the encasement, the interior of the boss mount has anaperture that communicates between the boss mount and the interior ofthe encasement. In order to create a boss cavity that is sealed andseparate from the interior of the housing, a boss floor insert is addedseparately to a bottom member of the encasement. FIG. 29K shows a sidecutaway view of a boss mount 401 with boss floor insert 440 attached.The boss floor is attached to the interior of the encasement proximatethe boss mount with insert bond 442. The insert bond may be a chemicaladhesive, or a welded or heat-sealed contact. The floor insert maycontain sealed contacts that communicate signals from the interior tothe exterior of the housing, e.g. electrically or optically.Alternatively, the floor insert may be made of a material thatselectively conducts a signal, e.g. a light conductive polymer thatincludes a filter that allows only certain wavelengths to penetrate.

In some embodiments, a boss mount may be an assembly that is attached tothe bottom member of an encasement, wherein the rear surface of thebottom member becomes the floor of the boss cavity. FIG. 29L depicts aside cutaway view of an alternative boss mount 444 that is aligned onthe case with alignment guides 445 a and 445 c (alignment guide 445 bnot shown). The number of alignment guides may be 3, 4, 5, 6, or moreguides. The boss mount is secured by bond 446, such as a chemicaladhesive, or a welded or heat-sealed contact. The alignment posts may beconfigured such that the boss mount is pressed into the area defined bythe alignment posts and snaps into place. For example, the alignmentguides may be angled towards the center of where the boss mount is to beattached. The alignment guides may have a notch that fits into a groovelocated on the exterior of the boss mount. In some embodiments of theboss mount, the rear surface 402 of the bottom member includes contactsthat communicate signals and/or power between the interior and exteriorof the housing, e.g. electrically or optically.

FIGS. 30A and 30B depict embodiments of accessories that can utilize theintegral boss mount disclosed herein. FIG. 30A shows a battery 460having a locking mount member 408. The battery is shaped to match theshape of the rear of a sealed housing. When the locking mount member isinserted into a boss mount in a sealed encasement, the battery is inelectrical communication with the mobile device and can supply power tothe device. FIG. 30B depicts a speaker accessory 462 electricallyconnected to a locking mount member 408. When the speaker accessory isattached to a boss mount in a sealed encasement, audio signals arecommunicated to the speaker and allow sound to be produced therefrom.

In some instances, the housing includes top and bottom membersconfigured for being removably coupled together so as to form awaterproof and/or shockproof seal. FIG. 31 depicts a side cutaway viewof part of a top member 520 and part of a bottom member 530 removablycoupled so as to form a housing. As depicted, the top member 520includes a perimeter portion 522. The bottom member 530 includes aperimeter portion 532. The perimeter portion 532 includes an interiorperimeter portion 532 a and an exterior perimeter portion 532 b. In thisinstance, the interior perimeter portion forms an interior boundingmember 532 a and the exterior perimeter portion forms an exteriorbounding member 532 b. Together the interior and exterior boundingmembers 532 a and 532 b bound a bottom member channel 533.

The interior perimeter portion of the top member has a top member ridge523 that mates with an exterior perimeter groove 534 that receives thetop member ridge, removably attaching the top member and bottom member.A lateral gasket 535 sits in between interior perimeter portion 522 andexterior bounding member 532 b in a channel formed from lateral gasketgrooves 526 a and 526 b in the interior perimeter portion 522 and theexterior bounding member 532 b, respectively. The lateral gasket iscompressed by the interior perimeter portion 522 and the exteriorbounding member 532 b, thereby forming a liquid-proof seal. In someembodiments, an additional bottom member gasket 537 is included in thebottom member channel and is compressed by the interior perimeterportion 522 of the top member, thereby forming an additionalliquid-proof seal. In some embodiments, the lateral gasket may be bondedto either the interior perimeter portion or the exterior boundingmember. In embodiments with an additional bottom member gasket, thegasket may be bonded to the interior perimeter portion, as shown in FIG.31. Alternatively, the bottom member gasket may be bonded to the bottommember channel.

In various instances, an adapter may be used in conjunction with amobile device housed in an enclosure having a hinged door that providesaccess to a data and/or power port as described above. In someinstances, it is useful to be able to open the door of the enclosure toallow the enclosed mobile device to stably interact with a dock for themobile device, such as a small speaker system, or standing charging/dataconnection stations. In addition, it is desirable in some instances toensure that an adapter is secured to a mobile device in an encasement,such that the adapter is not easily pulled out, or flexed at an angle sosevere that the connector is broken off inside the port for the device.Below is described an adapter that stably interacts with the enclosureand hinged door of enclosure embodiments described herein, such that theenclosure can stably stand upright when interacting with a dockingstation for charging and/or data transmission.

FIG. 32A depicts an embodiment of a latching adapter configured tointeract with the door of an enclosure. The latching adapter 3200 has anadapter body 3202, a case insertion member 3204, and device connector3206. Device connector 3206 is illustrated as a LIGHTNING connector, butany type of connector may be used, such as a 30-pin connector, a USBconnector, or the like. The connector may be male or female. The adapterbody includes an adapter aperture 3208 and an adapter ledge 3209. Insome embodiments, the adapter aperture may be a male electricalconnector. Near the outer perimeter of the adapter ledge is an adapterlatch bump 3210.

FIG. 32B depicts a side cutaway view of adapter 3200 from FIG. 32Ainserted into an electrical port aperture 3214 of a housing 3212 thathouses a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Thedevice connector 3206 is inserted into the mobile device 3216, and thecase insertion member 3204 fits within the electrical port aperture 3214of the housing. Adapter body 3202 rests outside of the electrical portaperture. Once the latching adapter is inserted into the mobile devicethrough the electrical port aperture, the electrical port door is swungtowards the latching adapter, such that the electrical port door ramp3218 moves past the adapter latch bump 3210 to rest in the adapter ledge3209. The electrical port door 3217 flexes slightly to allow theelectrical port door ramp to move over the adapter latch bump. Thelatching adapter is held securely by the electrical port door, andadapter aperture 3208 is available to receive an inserted connector. Theconnector aperture can be configured to receive the same type ofconnector at the other end of the adapter, or a different connectortype. The adapter body can match the size of the electrical portaperture. Alternatively, the adapter body can be wider than the width ofthe electrical port aperture, or smaller than the width of theelectrical port aperture. In addition, the portion of the adapter bodynot constrained by the electrical port door can extend beyond the frontperimeter of the electrical port aperture, and even beyond the perimeterof the housing, if desired. In some embodiments, a seal is positioned onthe adapter body 3202 and surrounding the circumference of the caseinsertion member 3204 (e.g. overmolded flexible polymer), such that whenthe adapter is mated with the encasement and the door is maneuvered ontothe ledge, a watertight seal is created between the seal and theelectrical port.

FIG. 32C depicts a perspective view of a latching adapter 3200 insertedinto an electrical port aperture 3214 of housing 3212, with electricalport door 3217 mated to the latching adapter and allowing access toadapter aperture 3208. FIG. 32D depicts a side perspective view of alatching adapter 3200 inserted into a housing 3212 and latched to anelectrical port door 3217. The electrical port door rests in part overthe adapter ledge 3209, and adapter body 3202 extends away from thehousing, allowing connector access to adapter aperture 3208.

In some instances of housings and encasements of the present invention,the mobile device enclosed in the housing may have a scanning sensorthat is capable of detecting biometric features of a body part, such asa fingerprint, that is placed in close proximity to the scanning sensor.The scanning region may be located within the touchscreen of the device,or in close proximity to the touchscreen. A portion of the housing orencasement that encloses the mobile device may include a membrane (e.g.membrane 3351) configured to permit a user to operate an interactivescreen, e.g., a touch screen, of an encased device in such a manner thatwhen the user touches the membrane one or more characteristics of thattouch, e.g., mechanical, pressure, heat, capacitance, etc. aretransferred to the touch screen of the underlying device, and in thismanner a user is able to manipulate the screen of the encased device.For example, waterproof encasements such as those described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,342,325 and 8,531,834, incorporated by reference herein, may beused to encase mobile electronic devices that include a biometricscanner. Encasements and housings of the present invention mayfacilitate accurate and reliable scanning of the body part by thescanning region of the device.

In some instances, the mobile electronic device enclosed in the housing(e.g. case 146, housing 4150) may have a biometric scanner that iscapable of detecting biometric features of a body part, such as afingerprint, placed in close proximity to the biometric scanner. Thebiometric scanner may be located within the touchscreen of the mobileelectronic device, in close proximity to the touchscreen, or on anyother suitable surface of the mobile electronic device.

A biometric scanner, such as a fingerprint scanner, may be implementedin a mobile device to capture biometric data using a variety ofimplementations, including optical detection (using visible light orinfrared light), capacitance, or ultrasonic detection. Biometricfeatures detected by the biometric scanner may include fingerprints,handprints, iris, retina, blood vessel, or a face. Optical detectionmethods use a form of light to illuminate a body part, and the lightreflected from the body part is detected and analyzed to image the bodypart. For example, visible light can be projected onto a fingertip, andlight reflected back from the fingertip can be detected using acharge-coupled device to image the fingerprint associated with thatfinger. Alternatively, a finger, hand, or retina can be illuminated withinfrared light (700 nm to 1000 nm wavelength) in order to detect bloodvessels in the tissue, which are unique to a given individual.Similarly, the iris of the eye can be imaged using infrared light,visible light, or a combination of visible and near infrared light.Ultrasonic imaging of fingerprints can be done with piezoelectrictransducers that produce high frequency sound waves to penetrate theepidermis and are reflected by the dermis. Piezoelectric transducersthen detect the reflected sound waves and the data are interpreted toimage the fingerprint. Fingerprint images can also be obtained usingeither passive or active capacitance techniques. In passive capacitance,the dermis of a finger acts as a capacitor plate, the epidermis is adielectric, and the sensor is a second capacitor plate (e.g. a siliconchip with an array of capacitors). Differences in capacitance betweenthe valleys and ridges of a fingerprint allow imaging of thefingerprint. In active capacitance, the sensor/capacitor plate ischarged, creating an electromagnetic field. The skin of the fingerinterferes with the electromagnetic field to change the effectivecapacitance, which is sensed and imaged.

A biometric scanner that is part of a mobile device may be located indifferent parts of the mobile device. The biometric scanner may belocated proximate to the touch screen display of the mobile device. Insome embodiments, the biometric scanner may be located within the touchscreen display itself. In some embodiments, the biometric scanner may belocated on the side surface of the mobile device or on a back surface ofthe mobile device. Embodiments of protective cases described herein mayinclude two membrane regions that are not part of the same membrane orproximate one another. In such embodiments of an encasement, onemembrane region covers the touchscreen, the other membrane region coversthe biometric scanner located on the front surface, rear surface, orsides of the electronic device. In yet another embodiment the biometricscanner can be located within a button, such as a home button, on afront surface of an IPHONE 5S manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino,Calif.

The biometric scanner of the mobile computing device may be located onthe front surface of the device, proximate the touchscreen. In oneembodiment of an encasement for such a mobile device (shown in FIG.33A), the encasement may have a membrane that includes a biometricscanning portion that aligns with the biometric scanner of the deviceand is thinner than the rest of the membrane. FIG. 33A depicts a frontview of a housing 3350 with a membrane 3351 having a biometric scanningportion 3352 that is thinner than the remainder of the membrane. Thebiometric scanning portion 3352 can be thin enough to facilitatedetection of a body part by the biometric scanner on the electronicdevice, but is impermeable to liquid, dust, etc. In some embodiments,the surface area of the biometric scanning portion 3352 in the membranemay be greater than the surface area of the biometric scanner in themobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the biometric scanningportion 3352 may have a similar optical transparency as an area of themembrane 3351 that aligns with the touch screen of the mobile device.The biometric scanning portion 3352 may be physically contiguous with anoptically transparent area of the membrane 3351 that aligns with thetouch screen display of the mobile device, as depicted in FIG. 33C. Insuch embodiments, the scanning region may or may not have the samethickness as the rest of the membrane, and may have an additionalcoating to facilitate access to the biometric scanner. For example, thebiometric scanning portion 3352 may have a thickness between about 0.001and 0.006 inch to permit operability of the biometric scanner locatedbeneath the biometric scanning portion, and the membrane 3351 may have athickness of at least about 0.001 to allow usability of the touchscreen.

In some embodiments, the membrane of the encasement includes an aperturewith a gasket at the perimeter of the aperture that seals the rest ofthe device from entry by water, dust, or particles from entering throughthe aperture. FIG. 33B depicts an alternative embodiment of a housing3350 with a scanning aperture 3355. The scanning aperture has a scanningaperture gasket 3354 that surrounds the perimeter of the scanningaperture. When the mobile device is encased in the housing, the gasketcontacts the area of the mobile device surrounding the scanning sensorand creates a seal, preventing entry of liquids, dust, particles, etc.,from entering the housing through the scanning aperture. In someembodiments of an encasement, the scanning aperture is not in themembrane, but on the sides, front surface, or rear surface of thehousing, aligned with the biometric scanner to allow access by the bodypart to be scanned.

In some embodiments, the scanning aperture is covered with an accesslayer that facilitates access to the biometric scanner. The access layercovering the scanning aperture can be included with or without ascanning aperture gasket. The access layer may have a thickness that isless than, greater than, or the same as that of the encasement ormembrane that contains the scanning aperture. The material of the accesslayer preferably facilitates signals moving to and from the biometricscanner while encased in the waterproof housing. For example, if thebiometric scanner uses optical signals to detect the biometric feature,the access layer may be made of an optically transmissive material (e.g.glass or polymer), or one that selectively transmits the desiredwavelengths of light. The access layer may be coated with one or morepolymer coatings that selectively absorb or reflect certain wavelengthsof light, e.g. polymers with light absorptive dyes, as well as coatingsthat polarize light, such as polyvinyl alcohol-iodine complex. Theaccess layer may also be coated with one or more layers containingmicrolouvers to direct the light, such as light control films (3MCompany, St. Paul, Minn.). The access layer may also contain an opticalwaveguide that facilitates the transmission of the optical signal to andfrom the body part to be scanned. If the biometric scanner usescapacitance for operation, the access layer may have a dielectricconstant that facilitates detection of a relevant body part by thescanner.

In some embodiments, the mobile device housed in the encasement has anaccess layer attached directly to the mobile device in the areaproximate the biometric scanner and the scanning aperture. The layer maybe applied directly to the mobile device as a liquid that dries andpolymerizes, or as a polymer sheet backed with adhesive.

In some embodiments of an encasement, a slidable lens assembly in theencasement is used in combination with the built-in camera of the mobiledevice to scan and analyze a biometric feature. FIG. 33D shows anembodiment of the bottom portion 3360 of a housing that has a slidablelens assembly 3362 for use with the mobile device as a biometricscanner. The slidable lens assembly is proximate to a lens region 3366that aligns with the built-in camera of the mobile device. The lensassembly sits inside a sliding track 3363, such that the lens assemblycan be slid horizontally to rest over the lens region 3366. The slidablelens assembly may also be configured to slide in a substantiallyvertical direction, or at some other angle. The lens assembly has amacro lens 3364 that allows for clear photographs of a biometricfeature, such as an iris or fingerprint. The camera of the mobile devicecan then take a picture of the biometric feature and use software toanalyze the biometric feature to determine if it sufficiently matches astored biometric feature. In some embodiments, the lens assembly has anotch that only allows the assembly to be slid when force is applied,thus preventing the lens assembly from freely sliding in the slidingtrack. In some embodiments in which the encasement can send and receivedata and/or power signals, covering the proximity sensor of the devicewhen the lens assembly is aligned over the rear camera of the devicesignals to the mobile device that a biometric scan should be initiated,and resulting biometric image analyzed.

Mobile device encasements that facilitate access to a biometric scannerin a mobile device, such as those described above, may be combined witha card reading attachment, allowing enhanced identity confirmation for avendor using the mobile device. FIG. 34A shows a perspective view of anembodiment of a card reader attachment. The card reader attachment 3470has an 8-pin connector 3471 that is inserted through the electrical portaperture of an encasement (not shown) and into the female data connectorof the mobile device. Other connector types are possible. The cardreading attachment may include a magnetic card sensor 3472 that readsinformation from a card with a magnetic strip that is swiped through thecard sensor. In some embodiments, the card reader may read data from aradio frequency identification (RFID) chip embedded in the card. Thecard reading attachment may have a gasket seat 3473 and/or a gasket forcreating a waterproof seal between the electrical port aperture and thecard reading attachment. The electrical port aperture may also have agasket seat and/or gasket for creating a seal.

FIG. 34B shows a side cutaway view of a card reader attachment 3470inserted into an electrical port aperture 3414. The electrical port door3417 mates with the card reading attachment by swinging onto a ledge andover an adapter latch bump. The electrical port door 3417 is swungtowards the card reader attachment 3470, such that an electrical portdoor ramp 3418 moves past the adapter latch bump 3474 to rest in theattachment ledge 3475. The electrical port door flexes slightly to allowthe electrical port door ramp to move over the adapter latch bump. Thelatching adapter is held securely by the electrical port door, and thecard reader attachment is available to detect a credit card oridentification card. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 34B, a card witha magnetic strip is swiped through the magnetic card sensor 3473. Gasketseat 3473 rests on the port aperture. No gasket is shown, although agasket may be added, either to the port aperture or on the gasket seat.

FIG. 34C depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of a cardreader attachment that includes a biometric scanner. FIG. 34C shows afingerprint scanner, although other biometric scanners may be used. Cardreader attachment 3470 has a magnetic card sensor 3472 that may be usedto swipe magnetic cards, and has a fingerprint scanner 3476. Thefingerprint scanner includes a finger swiping region 3477 over which auser can swipe their finger to facilitate fingerprint detection. Thedetector region may use optical transmission and detection, or it mayuse resistive resilient materials (such as silicon, natural or syntheticrubbers, or other elastomers) to measure the resistance of a fingertip.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,871, incorporated by reference herein,describes use of electrically conductive elastomers and two conductorsfor detecting a variable resistance in a fingertip. In some embodiments,the fingerprint scanner can be made longer to accommodate multiplefingertips. In some embodiments, the fingerprint scanner can be orientedparallel to the side of the card reader attachment.

In an alternative embodiment, the card reader attachment has aring-tip-sleeve headphone jack-style connector that is inserted througha headphone aperture into a headphone jack in the mobile device. Thecard reader attachment may be held in place by reciprocal threads in theheadphone aperture and the body of the connector on the card readerattachment that allow the attachment to be screwed into place, as wellas a gasket seat and/or gasket that allows the attachment to be sealedwhen screwed into the headphone aperture. Alternatively, the card readerattachment may be held in place via a bayonet cam-style of attachment.Examples of apertures having threaded or cammed regions may be found inU.S. Pat. No. 8,342,325, incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the card reader may not be physically connected tothe mobile device encased in a waterproof housing, but may communicatewith the encased mobile device using wireless radio communication, suchas BLUETOOTH or WIFI.

A card reader attachment of the present invention, used in conjunctionwith the biometric scanner of the encased mobile device, may be used toverify the identity of a person using the card, for example in salestransactions with a credit card. The biometric scanner of the mobiledevice is used to scan one or more biometric features of the personusing the card, either before or after scanning the information from acredit card. The biometric feature of the person can then be comparedwith biometric data contained either on the card itself, or in a securedatabase of biometric information that is accessed by the mobile device.The mobile device can verify the identity of the person that haspresented the credit card, and either allow the financial transaction toproceed or block the transaction and notify the user of the mobiledevice.

The scanning aperture and scanning region described above may beutilized with membranes and cases as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,342,325, incorporated by reference herein. In certain embodiments, afront and/or bottom surface membrane is not provided or is provided as aseparate element from the housing. For instance, in certain embodiments,a top and/or bottom member of the housing may include a perimeterportion only, which perimeter portion circumscribes the device to beencased but does not otherwise include a top and/or bottom surfaceelement that spans from one perimeter portion to the other. In such anembodiment, the top and/or bottom member may be configured forinterfacing with the perimeter of the top and/or bottom surface of adevice to be encased in such a manner so as to provide a liquid and/orshockproof seal therewith, regardless of whether the top or bottommember includes a front and back surface member. For instance, the topor bottom member may include a partial front and/or back surface, whichsurface impinges partially on a top and/or bottom surface of a houseddevice, but does not span completely from one side of the housing to theother. Rather, the top or bottom front and back surface member may beconfigured for interacting directly with a surface of the housedelectronic device so as to form a waterproof, dustproof, and/orshockproof seal therewith. Such a sealing may be accomplished, forinstance, by the inclusion of one or more at least partiallycircumferential seals that are included along an inside perimeter of thepartial front and back surface member, such as one or more hollow orsolid O-rings.

In certain embodiments, the top and bottom member of the housing may beformed of a single element or may be composed of separate elements. Incertain instances, the top and bottom member may be adapted to interactwith a separate top and/or bottom surface member, such as a separate topand/or bottom surface membrane member that may be coupled to theelectronic device before the electronic device is positioned within thetop and/or bottom member(s) of the housing. For instance, the top and/orbottom member may be configured for interacting with a surface membranemember in such a way that when the top and bottom member are coupledtogether, said coupling together secures the surface membrane across thesurface of the top and/or bottom members and a waterproof, dustproof,and/or shockproof seal may be accomplished in that manner. In such aninstance, it may be useful to have the membrane member extend beyond thetop or bottom surface of the electronic device to be housed so as toimpinge upon one or more, such as along all four sides of the electronicdevice. The membrane may include a front and a back surface one or moreof which includes an adhesive on the entire or a less than entireportion of the surface, so as to facilitate the coupling with the deviceand/or the housing member.

As described herein below, one or more membranes or portions thereof maybe included herein as part of the front and/or back surface of the topor bottom member or may be provided as the entire top and/or bottommember. The membrane may include a perimeter portion and/or may interactwith a perimeter portion of the housing, the device itself, both, orneither. Accordingly, the perimeter portion of the membrane may beconfigured so as to interface with a perimeter portion, such as an innerand/or outer perimeter portion, of the top and/or bottom member and/orof the device itself. For instance, the perimeter portion of a topand/or bottom member, such as the perimeter portion of a top member, mayinclude a plurality of sub-portions, such as a first sub-portion, e.g.,an interior perimeter portion, that includes an interior membraneinterfacing member, and a second sub-portion, e.g., an exteriorperimeter portion, that includes an exterior membrane interfacingmember, which interfacing members are configured for interfacing with afront and back surface of a perimeter portion of the membrane, such asin an overmold fashion so as to secure the membrane to the top member.In such an instance, the top member may include a peripheral frame thatcomprises the interior perimeter bounds of the housing, a membrane thatspans from one side of the perimeter bounds of the frame to the other,and may additionally include an additional outer perimeter member, suchas an outer surface peripheral molding member that at least partiallyfunctions to couple the membrane to the peripheral frame.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the membrane may be configured suchthat it spans from one side of the perimeter, e.g., of a top or bottomperipheral frame member, to another side of the perimeter in such amanner that the back surface of the membrane associates with at leastthe interior membrane interfacing member of the interior perimeterportion, and the front surface of the membrane associates with theexterior membrane interfacing member of the outer perimeter portion. Incertain embodiments, the interior perimeter frame portion may becomprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as polycarbonate, andthe outer perimeter portion may be comprised of a flexible orsemi-flexible material such as TPE, silicone, polypropylene, or othersuch rubber material.

Headphones, earphones and earbuds are used in conjunction with mobiledevices, with or without a microphone. When using an earphone orearpiece with a mobile device while running, bicycling, or other outdooractivity, it is often desirable to be able to hear outside sounds whileusing the earphones in order to avoid collision with other people,motorized vehicles, etc. Thus, it is desirable that the earbuds allowsome external sounds to be detected by the user. However, allowingoutside sounds to enter an earphone user's ear can also allow noise fromwind and air rushing past the ear, which can mask external noises. Thepresent invention can decrease wind noise, as well as aid in focusingsounds from behind an earphone user into the ear. The present inventionencompasses an ear plate attached to an earbud that sits in front of auser's ear canal when the earbud is inserted into the outer ear. FIG. 35depicts an embodiment of an earphone assembly 3580, including earphones3582 a and 3582 b. The earbuds do not block the ear canal, but have aportion that directs sound to the entrance of the ear canal. The earbudsare electrically connected to an earphone cord 3585 that connects to amobile device to receive a sound signal. In some embodiments, theearphone cord can also carry audio signals from an attached microphone(not shown). An earphone frame 3584 is also shown, which is configuredto rest on the neck of a user, and aids in keeping the earbud cord awayfrom the neck and shoulders. In some embodiments, the frame can sit ontop of a user's head. Ear plates or baffles 3586 a and 3586 b areattached to the lateral portion of the earphones 3582 a-b, such thatwhen the earbuds are placed in the ear, the ear plate sits substantiallyin front of the tragus of the user's ear and is angled to direct movingair away from the earphone. The ear baffle can be any shape such aspolygonal, round, elliptical, or an irregular shape. The ear plate canalso have a curved surface, such that the concave portion of the curvedsurface is partially facing behind the user. The curved surface can aidin directing sounds coming from behind the user into the external meatusof the ear and towards the ear canal. The ear plate increases theability of a user to detect external sounds that originate from behindthe user, allowing the user to avoid the source of the sound ifnecessary.

As discussed above, a fingerprint sensor integrated into a functionbutton of an electronic device may utilize optical scanning and/orcapacitive scanning methods. An optical-scanning fingerprint sensor mayuse an array of light-sensitive diodes, called photosites, of acharge-coupled device (CCD) to collect light photons. Each photosite, ora combination of photosites, may represent one pixel. Each pixel may, ina binary system, have one of two values (e.g., light or dark), or inother systems may have the capability of utilizing a range of values. Incombination, the array of pixels provides an image from the collectedphotons. In some devices, an optical-scanning fingerprint sensor may beused in combination with a material constituting a lens or membrane atleast a portion of which may be positioned over the array of pixels. Alens or membrane may be constructed of a hard, natural or syntheticmaterial such as sapphire, any of various GORILLA GLASS varieties byCORNING, and the like. In some instances the lens may spread orotherwise distribute photons (e.g., magnify or focus) received at thelens. A membrane, such as a protective membrane, used with a fingerprintsensor may be formed from one or more polymers, polyethyleneterephalate, polyester films, polyolefin films, polyvinyl chloridefilms, polycarbonate films, cellulosic films, acrylic films, methacrylicfilms, styrenic films, ceramic films, glass films and copolymersthereof, and may further include acrylic resins, methacrylic resins,cyanoacrylate resins, silanes, polyester resins, and polyurethanes,ceramics and copolymers and mixtures thereof. Such membrane for coveringa sensing surface of a fingerprint sensor may be a portion of a largerprotective membrane, such as a protective membrane that covers a largersurface. A lens or membrane used for optical fingerprint scanning mayinclude on a portion thereof words or designs such as, withoutlimitation, a “bulls-eye” or a fingerprint icon for directing the user,for instruction, or for other purposes. The design may be provideddirectly over the fingerprint scanner or in an area away from afingerprint collecting region of the fingerprint sensor.

In other implementations, a fingerprint sensor may utilize capacitivesensing methods. Like the optical-scanning fingerprint sensor, acapacitive-scanning fingerprint sensor generates an image of afingerprint. Instead of collecting photons with photosites, however, thecapacitance sensor in some implementations may include an array of verysmall cells, each smaller than the width of one ridge in a fingerprint.Each cell includes two conductor plates that are covered with aninsulating layer. The two plates constitute a capacitor. An electricalcircuit connected to the conductor plates charges each cell to a presetcharge amount. Capacitance is in part a function of distance betweencapacitive plates, where the farther apart the plates are, the lower thecapacitance, or ability to store charge. In a capacitance-scanningfingerprint sensor, a finger surface being scanned acts as a thirdcapacitive plate in the capacitor circuit. A difference in distancebetween a ridge or valley of a fingerprint and the two conductor platesof the cell changes the capacitance for the cell to which it isproximate. Accordingly, any material covering the capacitive-scanningfingerprint sensor must be capable of effectively permitting a finger toact in the array of capacitor cells. Such capability typically require athinness and dielectric constant that in combination permit sufficientsensitivity in the fingerprint sensor to reliably obtain a user'sfingerprint for initial collection or for comparison against a knownexample. Materials used for such purposes may include various polymers,polyethylene terephalate, polyester films, polyolefin films, polyvinylchloride films, polycarbonate films, cellulosic films, acrylic films,methacrylic films, styrenic films, ceramic films, glass films andcopolymers thereof, and may further include acrylic resins, methacrylicresins, cyanoacrylate resins, silanes, polyester resins, andpolyurethanes, ceramics and copolymers and mixtures thereof.

FIG. 36A depicts a side cutaway view of a portion of an encasement 3601and a user interface button 3622 of a mobile electronic device 3620. Aclearance gap may exist around a perimeter of the user interface button3622. The clearance gap can permit actuation (e.g. depression) of theuser interface button 3622, but can also permit liquids to enter anddamage the electronic device 3620. To protect the electronic device 3620from damage resulting from exposure to liquids, it can be desirable toseal the clearance gap to ensure that water cannot access any innercomponents or circuitry of the electronic device. In certain instances,the user interface button can include a biometric scanner with abiometric scanning region 3624 that detects a biometric feature of auser, such as a fingerprint. The biometric scanning region 3624, whichmay operate by capturing a digital image, may function best when notencumbered by any coatings or coverings. For instance, the biometricscanning region 3624 may work best when a user's body part (e.g.fingertip) can make direct contact with the biometric scanning region orwhen a relatively clear, high resolution image of the user's body part(e.g. epidermal ridges on a fingertip or iris of an eye) can be capturedby the biometric scanning region without any image degradation caused bya coating or covering. Consequently, it can be desirable to seal the gaparound the user interface button 3622 without covering and obscuring thebiometric scanning region 3624. In one example, shown in FIG. 36A, theencasement 3601 can include a sensor region 3600 that has a flexiblemembrane 3602 with a scanner aperture 3606 located in the flexiblemembrane. The flexible membrane 3602 can extend into the sensor region3600 and can be adhered or bonded to the inner surface of the encasement3601. The flexible membrane 3602 can be configured to form aliquid-tight seal between the flexible membrane and a surface of theuser interface button 3622. The scanner aperture 3606 may be circular,polygonal, or any shape that allows user access to the biometric scanner3624 when the mobile electronic device 3620 is enclosed by theencasement 3601. In some embodiments, where direct access to thebiometric scanning region 3624 is not required, the scanner aperture3606 can be covered by an additional membrane that is transparent, suchas a plastic (e.g. polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) or thin membrane of glass (e.g.tempered glass, alkali-aluminosilicate sheet toughened glass). In suchembodiments, the biometric scanning region 3624 may be capable ofcapturing necessary user information (e.g. digital photographicinformation) despite the presence of the additional membrane over thebiometric scanning region.

As shown in FIG. 36A, the inner surface of the flexible membrane 3602can include an adhesive 3604, such as a releasable, reusable adhesive, asingle-use adhesive, or any other suitable type of adhesive or adhesiveproduct (e.g. contact adhesive, double-sided bonding tape, sprayadhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhesive sealant, etc.). Theadhesive 3604 can be positioned proximate the perimeter of the scanneraperture 3606, such that when the electronic device 3620 is enclosed bythe encasement 3601, the adhesive 3604 adheres to the user interfacebutton 3622 proximate the biometric scanning region 3624 to form aliquid-tight seal between the flexible membrane 3602 and the userinterface button (the arrows indicate where the adhesive is positionedwhen the electronic device is encased). In some embodiments, theflexible membrane 3602 can be configured to conform to the shape of theuser interface button 3622. For example, FIG. 36A shows that theflexible membrane 3602 has a concavity similar to that of the userinterface button 3622. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane 3602may not require a special configuration, and may have sufficientflexibility to conform to the surface of the user interface button 3622.FIG. 36C shows another alternative embodiment of the encasement 3601, inwhich the flexible membrane 3602 is configured with a convexity similarto that of the user interface button 3622. In certain embodiments, theflexible membrane 3602 does not have to be configured to conform to theshape of the user interface button 3622. For example, FIG. 36B depictsan alternative embodiment of the encasement 3601, in which the flexiblemembrane 3602 is not configured to match the concavity of the userinterface button 3622.

Although FIGS. 36A-H show the adhesive 3604 positioned on the innersurface of the flexible membrane 3602 between the flexible membrane andthe user interface button 3622, this is not limiting. In another exampleshown in FIG. 36D, the adhesive 3604 can be positioned on the outersurface of the membrane 3602 and can extend inward beyond a perimeter ofthe scanner aperture 3606 to permit adherence of the flexible membraneto the user interface button 3622. In this example, the adhesive 3604can be a one-sided adhesive product having a first side with an adhesivelayer and a second side with a smooth surface. The first side with theadhesive layer can be placed against the outer surface of the flexiblemembrane and can inwardly overhang the perimeter of the scanner aperture3606, thereby allowing the adhesive layer of the adhesive 3604 tocontact and adhere directly to a surface of the user interface button.In one example, the adhesive 3604 can have an annular shape with aninner diameter that is smaller than a scanner aperture 3606 diameter andan outer diameter that is larger than the scanner aperture 3606diameter. The adhesive 3604 can be configured to provide a liquid-tightseal between the flexible membrane 3602 and the user interface button3622. The adhesive 3604 can be a relatively thin component, which, incombination with the smooth surface of the adhesive 3604, can permit auser's finger to glide smoothly over the adhesive 3604, as well as aninterface formed between the adhesive and the flexible membrane 3602,when interacting with the user interface button 3622. In certainembodiments, the adhesive may be covered by a thin, smooth protectivelayer, such as a transparent plastic, acrylic, or other polymer thatprotects the adhesive from dirt, particulates, oils, etc. andfacilitates sliding of a user's finger across the scanner aperture.

A biometric scanning device can employ one or more sensors, includingcapacitive sensors, optical sensors, thermal sensors, pressure sensors,RF sensors, or ultrasonic sensors, that allow the biometric scanningdevice to obtain information relating to a user's physiologicalcharacteristics. The one or more sensors can be integrated into afeature, such as a button 3622 or surface, of a mobile computing device3620 to provide added security against unauthorized access ofinformation or data stored on the mobile computing device.

In certain applications, the biometric scanning device can include acapacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can employ an array ofcapacitive elements housed in a capacitive button. The capacitive sensorcan be adapted to obtain an image of a user's fingerprint when a userplaces a finger against a capacitive button surface 3641. For instance,the user's skin may have sufficient conductivity to provide capacitivecoupling with individual capacitive elements of the array, therebypermitting an image of the user's finger to be obtained by thecapacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may be capable ofdistinguishing between epidermal ridges and valleys on the user'sfinger. Epidermal ridges, which are closer to the capacitive elements,may result in higher capacitance, and valleys, which are farther fromthe capacitive elements, may result in lower capacitance. In certaininstances, the capacitive sensor may apply a small voltage to the user'sfinger to enhance the signal strength to obtain an image with morecontrast.

FIG. 36E shows a front view of a mobile computing device 3620 housed inan encasement 3601, and FIG. 36F shows a cutaway view through sectionA-A of FIG. 36E. The encasement 3601 can include a sensor region 3600that includes a flexible membrane 3602 with a scanner aperture 3606located in the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane 3602 can beadhered or bonded to a portion of the encasement 3601. The flexiblemembrane 3602 can be configured to form a liquid-tight seal between theflexible membrane and a surface of a button 3622 on the mobile computingdevice. The scanner aperture 3606 may be circular, oval, polygonal, orany shape that allows a user to access a capacitive button surface 3641on the button when the mobile electronic device 3620 is enclosed by theencasement 3601. The capacitive button surface 3641 can be part of abiometric scanning device, such as a fingerprint scanner. The biometricscanning device can be configured to retrieve information that can beinput into an identity management software program operating on themobile computing device. The identity management software can be adaptedto prevent unauthorized access of information or data stored on themobile computing device (e.g. the software may restrict access to themobile computing device if physiological information obtained by thebiometric scanning device does not match physiological informationstored in the mobile computing device's memory). Information captured bythe biometric scanning device may also be transmitted to anotherlocation for processing.

The mobile computing device 3620 can include a conductive portion thatis capable of detecting the presence of a user's finger. Detection ofthe user's finger may trigger the biometric scanning device to becomeoperational. In this way, the conductive portion can prompt the mobilecomputing device to transition out of a standby mode when the userdesires to interact with the mobile computing device. In one example,the conductive portion can be a conductive button ring 3640 thatsurrounds the capacitive button surface 3641. If the conductive buttonring 3640 is covered by the encasement 3601, the functionality of theconductive button ring may be diminished or entirely suppressed. If theconductive button ring 3640 is unable to function properly, the user maybe unable to wake the mobile computing device from standby mode andactivate the biometric scanning device. To avoid this outcome, it isdesirable to incorporate a conductive portion into the flexible membrane3602. The conductive portion in the flexible membrane 3602 can provide aconductive pathway between the user's finger and the conductive buttonring 3640 when the mobile computing device is housed in the encasement3601, as shown in FIGS. 36E and 36F. In one example, the conductiveportion in the flexible membrane 3602 can be a conductive membrane ring3630 having a similar size and shape as the conductive button ring 3640on the mobile computing device. The conductive membrane ring 3630 can bemade of any suitable conductive material such as, for example, metal(e.g. copper, aluminum, steel, silver, gold, nickel, titanium, etc.),graphite, or carbon.

As shown in FIG. 36F, a clearance gap may exist around a perimeter ofthe button 3622. The clearance gap can permit actuation (e.g.depression) of the button 3622, but can also permit liquids to enter anddamage the mobile computing device 3620. To protect the mobile computingdevice 3620 from damage resulting from exposure to liquids, it can bedesirable to seal the clearance gap to ensure that water cannot accessany inner components or circuitry of the electronic device. However, toretain uncompromised operation of the capacitive button, it may bedesirable to provide an aperture 3606 in the flexible membrane 3602 thatprovides direct access to the capacitive button surface 3641. To achievethis result, as shown in FIG. 36F, the inner surface of the flexiblemembrane 3602 can include an adhesive 3604, such as a releasable,reusable adhesive, a single-use adhesive, or any other suitable type ofadhesive or adhesive product (e.g. contact adhesive, double-sidedbonding tape, spray adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhesivesealant, etc.). The adhesive 3604 can be positioned proximate theperimeter of the scanner aperture 3606, such that when the electronicdevice 3620 is enclosed by the encasement 3601, the adhesive 3604adheres to the capacitive button surface 3641 to form a liquid-tightseal between the flexible membrane 3602 and the capacitive buttonsurface (the arrows indicate where the adhesive is positioned duringinstallation of the encasement on the mobile computing device). Althoughthe adhesive is shown on an inner surface of the flexible membrane 3602,the adhesive could also be located on the outer surface of the flexiblemembrane as shown in FIG. 36D and as described herein.

Where direct access to the capacitive button surface 3641 is notrequired, the scanner aperture 3606 can be covered by a second flexiblemembrane 3632 as shown in FIGS. 36G and 36H (cutaway view of section B-Bin FIG. 36G). The second flexible membrane 3632 can be made from atransparent, translucent, or opaque material, such as a plastic (e.g.polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, etc.) or thin membrane of glass (e.g. tempered glass,alkali-aluminosilicate sheet toughened glass). The second flexiblemembrane 3632 can be part of the flexible membrane 3602, integrated intothe flexible membrane, or a separate component that is affixed to theflexible membrane. The second flexible membrane 3632 can have a concaveshape adapted to match the contour of the button 3622 on the mobilecomputing device 3600. Matching the contour of the second flexiblemembrane 3632 to the contour of the button 3622 may improve feel andresponse of the button 3622 beneath the second flexible membrane 3632.To further enhance feel and response of the button 3622, adhesive may beprovided on an inner surface of the second flexible membrane 3632 andcan adhere to the capacitive button surface 3622 upon installation. Themobile computing device 3620 can include a conductive portion that iscapable of detecting the presence of a user's finger. Detection of theuser's finger may trigger the biometric scanning device to becomeoperational. In this way, the conductive portion can prompt the mobilecomputing device to transition out of a standby mode when the userdesires to interact with the mobile computing device. In one example,the conductive portion can be a conductive button ring 3640 thatsurrounds the capacitive button surface 3641. If the conductive buttonring 3640 is covered by the encasement 3601, the functionality of theconductive button ring may be diminished or entirely suppressed. If theconductive button ring 3640 is unable to function properly, the user maybe unable to wake the mobile computing device from standby mode. Toavoid this result, it is desirable to incorporate a conductive portioninto the flexible membrane 3602. The conductive portion in the flexiblemembrane 3602 can provide a conductive pathway between the user's fingerand the conductive button ring 3640 when the mobile computing device ishoused in the encasement 3601, as shown in FIGS. 36G and 36H. In oneexample, the conductive portion in the flexible membrane 3602 can be aconductive membrane ring 3630 having a similar size and shape as theconductive button ring 3640 on the mobile computing device. Theconductive membrane ring 3630 can be made of any suitable conductivematerial such as, for example, metal (e.g. copper, aluminum, steel,silver, gold, nickel, titanium, etc.), graphite, or carbon.

In some embodiments, encasements of the present disclosure that includea biometric scanning aperture may have no capacitive membrane or accesslayer. In such encasements, a user may still wish to protect thebiometric scanning portions of the function button from liquids whilenot utilizing the biometric scanning features of the encased mobileelectronic device. FIGS. 37A and 37B depict such an embodiment,specifically a bung 3750 configured for insertion into a scanningaperture of an encasement by a user. FIG. 37A shows a side cutaway viewof a bung 3750 having a button 3756 positioned in a recess 3752. Thebutton 3756 rests on a flexible membrane 3754. The flexible membrane maybe a microporous membrane, such a microporous textile that iswaterproof, or a non-porous membrane, such as a thermoplastic elastomeror silicone. The flexible membrane is sufficiently flexible, such thatthe button may be depressed further into the recess 3752, in order topress and activate a function button on the encased mobile device. Thebutton 3756 includes a post or shaft 3757 that extends through the bung3750. The length of the post is configured such that when the button isdepressed, the end of the post presses against the function button onthe encased device with sufficient force to activate the functionbutton. Bung 3750 also includes a gasket or seal 3758 circumscribing theouter perimeter of the bung. In some embodiments, the gasket may be ano-ring. In some embodiments, the gasket or seal may rest in a channelcircumscribing the outer perimeter of the bung. In certain embodiments,the gasket or seal may be replaced by a gasket seat that facilitatescompression of a gasket located inside or proximate the scanneraperture. In some embodiments, a portion of the bung may be threaded,with reciprocal threads on the inner surface of the scanner aperture,allowing the bung to be threaded into the aperture. In certainembodiments, the bung may have a bayonet cam feature configured tointerface with a reciprocal cam feature on the interior surface of thescanner aperture. In some embodiments, the sealed button bung may beattached to the case with a tether.

FIG. 37B depicts a side cutaway view of a button bung 3750 positioned ina biometric scanner aperture 3761 of an encasement 3760. Seal 3758 iscompressed against the interior surface of the scanner aperture,preventing intrusion of liquids and particulates. Shaft 3757 ispositioned proximate function button 3622. The scanner aperture 3761 maybe wider than shown in FIG. 37B in order to allow sufficient access bypart of a finger or other body part to the biometric scanning functionbutton, while still maintaining an angle of the interior surface of theaperture sufficient to hold a bung and gasket.

An alternative embodiment of an encasement with a sliding door thatincorporates a sealed button bung is depicted in FIG. 38. Encasement3870 has a biometric scanning aperture 3871. A sliding door 3872interfaces with tracks 3878 a and 3878 b, and can slide along tracks3878 a-b to cover scanning aperture 3871. A first latch mechanism (notshown) is positioned on the inner surface of the door, facing theencasement; the latch mechanism is configured to interface with a secondlatch mechanism 3876 to secure the sliding door when it is covering thescanning aperture and prevent the door from accidentally jarring loose.Exemplary latch mechanisms include a notch and protrusion, reciprocalhooks, and the like. Sliding door 3872 also includes sealed buttonportion 3874, which allows the function or home button to be accessed bya user when the sliding door covers the scanning aperture. The sealedbutton portion 3874 includes a sealed button bung (not visible) such asthat depicted in FIGS. 37A and 37B. In some embodiments, the slidingdoor does not include a button, but only a bung configured to seal thescanning aperture.

FIG. 39 shows another alternative embodiment of a door for protectingthe scanning aperture from entry by liquid and/or particulates.Enclosure 3980 has a hinged door 3982 having hinge 3987, allowing thehinged door to open and close the opening of scanning aperture 3981.Hinged door 3982 also includes a first latching mechanism 3986,configured to interface with a second latch mechanism 3988 positionedproximate the scanner aperture 3981. Hinged door 3982 includes a sealedbutton bung 3984, which allows the function or home button to beaccessed by a user when the sliding door covers the scanning aperture.The sealed button bung 3984 is configured as depicted in FIGS. 37A and37B. In some embodiments, the hinged door does not include a button, butonly a bung configured to seal the scanning aperture.

The membrane (e.g. 3351, 4000) can be part of an encasement (e.g.affixed to the encasement, integrally formed with the encasement, orremovably attached to the encasement) for a mobile computing device andcan protect a portion (e.g. a touchscreen display) of the mobilecomputing device. In another example, the membrane (3351, 4000) shown inFIGS. 40A-E, 40E, 40F, 50, 42A, and 42B can be a protective film (e.g.screen protector or surface covering) adapted to adhere to a surface ofthe mobile computing device. The protective film (3351, 4000) can coverand protect the mobile computing device from, for example, scratches ordents that may be imparted during transport or use of the device.

The protective film (3351, 4000) can be applied to the mobile computingdevice using any suitable method such as, for example, a wet or a dryapplication method. A wet application method can include spraying asurface of the protective film (or mobile computing device surface) withwater or another liquid, applying the wet protective film to the devicesurface to be protected (or applying the film to the wet devicesurface), and using pressure (e.g., with a squeegee) to smooth theprotective film and force out any trapped air bubbles. In doing so, thewater or other liquid is also forced out from between the film and thedevice surface, and collects at an edge of the film.

To avoid exposing the mobile computing device to water or other liquids,a dry application method may be preferable over a wet applicationmethod. A dry application method can involve one or more apparatuses ormethods described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/044,275 and13/624,499 filed on Mar. 9, 2011 and Sep. 21, 2012, respectively, whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the protective film (3351, 4000) may include apolyurethane sheet, e.g., a polycaprolactone-based aliphaticthermoplastic urethane sheet. A first major surface of a polyurethanesheet may be coated with one or more layers of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive, such as a copolymer comprising an acrylate polymer and asilicone macromer. In some embodiments, the protective film is apolycaprolactone-based aliphatic thermoplastic urethane and comprises anadhesive layer consisting essentially of a copolymer of an acrylatepolymer and silicone macromer side chains. A micro-matte surfacestructure may be formed on at least a second major surface of the sheet,as described herein. In another embodiment, the protective film mayinclude a polyurethane sheet, e.g., a polycaprolactone-based aliphaticthermoplastic urethane sheet. The sheet may be coated on one side with amicro-matte layer, as described herein.

The protective film can include a polyurethane sheet (i.e. membrane).The polyurethane sheet can be, for example, an aliphatic polyesterurethane-based sheet or a polycaprolactone based aliphatic thermoplasticurethane sheet, and can be coated on all or part of a first majorsurface (or “backed”) with an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, theadhesive layer is a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer (or coating) may be a copolymercomprising an acrylate polymer and a silicone macromer. In someembodiments, an adhesive layer thickness may be about 10 to about 100microns, about 12 to about 75 microns, about 25 to about 38 microns,about 30 microns, or about 35 microns. The pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer (or coating) may comprise an acrylate-silicone copolymer basedpressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive layer may comprise additionalcomponents, e.g., a tackifier or plasticizer, and may be a self-healingadhesive. The adhesive layer may be formed without the use of across-linker or photo-initiator. The adhesive layer may be preparedusing a thermal cure process. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer ismade of an adhesive that does not immediately firmly secure the film toa device and thus allows for slight repositionability of the film afterplacement on the device. For example, the adhesive layer may include anamount of silicone to permit repositionability. In some embodiments,unpolymerized silicone, tackifier, or other low molecular weightcomponents are included in the adhesive layer and migrate into thepolyurethane sheet and modify its characteristics. A polyurethane sheetcomprising an adhesive layer may be made more flexible or more impactresistant by the interaction with one or more such components from anadhesive.

The protective film can be adapted to cover a biometric scanner of amobile electronic device. In one example, the protective film caninclude a polyurethane sheet (i.e. membrane) 3351 with a thickness ofabout 0.001-0.006 inches in a biometric scanning portion 3352 that isadapted to cover the biometric scanner of the mobile electronic device.The polyurethane sheet (i.e. membrane) 3351 may be the same thickness inother areas or may be thicker in other areas to provide additionalprotection to, for example, a touchscreen display of the electronicdevice.

In some embodiments, the adhesive layer comprises a polyacrylate-basedpressure-sensitive adhesive layer, having silicone macromer side chainmodifications of one or more acrylate ester groups. In some embodiments,the adhesive layer may be prepared from or comprise acrylic acid,methacrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid comprising 4 to 21 carbonatoms, esters of methacrylic acid comprising 5 to 21 carbon atoms,acrylamide, substituted acrylamides such as N,N-dimethyl acrylamide,styrene, substituted styrenes such as vinyl toluene, acrylonitrile,methacrylonitrile, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, vinylidenechloride, vinyl esters of carboxylic acids, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethylacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate,hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-carboxyethyl acrylate, ethoxyethyl acrylate,perfluorooctyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, divinylbenzene, vinylbenzylchloride, vinyl acetate, glycidyl methacylate, hydroethyl acetate,hydroxypropyl acetate, glacial acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethylacrylate, butyl acrylate, iso butyl acrylate or other acrylates, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitiveadhesive comprises acrylate and silicone in other polymer configurationsas known in the art. Suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives may bemanufactured by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. or other manufacturingcompanies.

The protective film may have a thickness from about 75 microns up toabout 400 microns. For example, the protective film used may havethicknesses including about 75 microns, about 100 microns, about 150microns, about 175 microns, about 200 microns, about 250 microns, about300 microns, or about 350 microns. Different thicknesses may be used fordifferent parts of a mobile computing device. For example, an electronicdevice may use a 150 micron film for the device's optical screen and a300 micron film for the device's body. Such films may provide scratchresistance, impact resistance, or both, and may provide higher impactresistance to the parts of the device that are most likely to need it,while preserving the sensitivity and/or clarity of portions of thedevice that are less likely to require impact resistance.

The protective film to be adhered to a device's optical screen may havea shore hardness of between about 85 A and 99 A, or between about 50 Dand 75 D to provide a strong film with a flat surface with minimal or nosurface distortion (e.g., “orange peel”). In some embodiments, the shorehardness of the protective adhesive film is about 60 D or about 93 A.The protective adhesive film may allow for proper optical transmissionand may provide a substantially smooth surface so that it best mirrorsthe glass surface on the device. In addition to providing an aestheticbenefit, this allows for minimal or no reduction in sensitivity and/orconnectivity for touch screens.

The protective film may have a variety of surface types, includinganti-glare, glossy, or matte, and may be optically transparent,transparent with a matte texture, translucent or opaque. The film maycomprise UV absorbers. The films may be colored or uncolored. In someembodiments, the protective film may comprise a surface having amicro-matte structure. Surface treatments may vary over a single device,i.e., a film covering an optical screen may have an anti-glare surfacewhile film covering a device body may have a matte surface. A portion ofa protective film to be adhered to the body of a device (portions notincluding the optical screen), the optical screen, or both may have amatte and/or a micro-matte finish or layer which may eliminate or reducefingerprints and adds additional “grip” to the device. Suitableprotective films may be manufactured by Argotec Inc. of Greenfield,Mass., or other similar manufacturing companies. In some embodiments,the adhesive coating or layer may be protected by a removable backing(e.g., prior to adhering the protective film to a device) before theprotective adhesive film is adhered to a device surface.

A micro-matte surface structure is one that has a matte finish with anaverage roughness, Ra, between about 0.08 μm and about 0.22 μm, or about0.17 μm, or about 0.135 μm. In some embodiments, a micro-matte surfacestructure has an average maximum height, Rz, between about 0.50 μm andabout 1.20 μm, or about 1.11 μm, or about 1.23 μm. A micro-matte surfacestructure may have an average depth, Rmax, between about 1.30 μm andabout 1.50 μm, or about 1.40 μm.

In some embodiments, a micro-matte protective film is prepared byextrusion of a urethane resin onto a micro-matte textured casting sheetwhich, in some embodiments, may be a PET multi-layer film. The urethaneresin forms a film that, when removed from the casting sheet, retains amicro-matte surface texture on one side (e.g., a second major surface ofthe protective film) that mirrors the texture of the casting sheet.Thus, a protective film may be prepared by a single casting of urethane,rather than by addition of a micro-matte layer to a smooth urethanefilm. Alternatively, a micro-matte protective film may be prepared as aco-extrusion of at least two layers. Accordingly, a micro-matteprotective film may be prepared using multiple resins of varyinghardness such that its micro-matte structure may be harder and/or moredurable as may be required for specific applications. Alternatively, amicro-matte layer may be formed on a polyurethane sheet, for example, byextruding a resin onto a urethane film and contacting the resin with amicro-matte casting sheet to form a micro-matte surface texture. Themicro-matte protective film may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesivelayer or layers, which may be the same or similar to thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer or layers described above. In someembodiments, the micro-matte textured casting sheet is the same ordifferent than the cap sheet described herein. The micro-matte structuremay cover all or part of a second major surface of a protective film.

In some embodiments, a polyurethane sheet coated with apressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., to create a protective film) may becut into predetermined shapes designed to fit particular portions ofdigital electronic devices including, but not limited to, mobiletelephones, personal digital assistants, e-readers, computer notebooks,netbooks, tablets, cameras, game consoles, iPods and other MP3 players,navigation devices, and GPS devices. Such devices typically have adisplay screen and housing. The cut film pieces of the protective filmmay be applied to the screen and/or other portions of the digital device(such as an edge, side, corner or other portion of the housing, and/orthe bezel) to protect it from damage, using methods described in thisdocument. In some embodiments, the protective film may be applied tocorners, edges and/or sides of the device to provide a shock-absorbing,impact-resistant skin for the device. The cut film pieces may bedesigned such that they contain openings to correspond to various devicecomponents and thus do not block input or output ports, connections,jacks, or entry points for access to internal components of the device.The cut film may be flexible, to permit its application onto curvedsurfaces smoothly without the appearance of gaps, wrinkles, or airbubbles.

In some embodiments, the protective film includes a cap sheet (e.g., acasting film and/or a casting sheet). The cap sheet may be disposed on asecond major surface of the protective film. The cap sheet may be formedout of a material(s) that is sufficiently rigid that the pressureapplied by a mechanical smoothing device (e.g., a squeegee) does notcause the cap sheet or the protective film to deform (e.g., “orangepeel”). Further, the cap sheet may withstand an increased pressure fromthe mechanical smoothing device, which may result in reduced air bubblesbetween the protective film and an electronic device. Additionally, thecap sheet may protect the second major surface of the protective filmduring manufacture, transport, and/or the end-user installationprocesses. This may provide an advantage over secondaryapplication/release tapes that include a cured liquid for top coating(e.g., a polyurethane and/or an acrylic material). The secondaryapplication/release tapes include an adhesive that may roughen ordistort the second major surface of the pressure adhesive layer, whichmay reduce the optical clarity of the protective film.

The cap sheet may be formed out of polyester. A polyester cap sheet(e.g., a laminating roll) that is about 2 mils thick may have sufficientrigidity and flexibility to prevent the cap sheet and/or the protectivefilm from deforming. Additionally, polyester may withstand the extrusiontemperature of the protective film (e.g., about 320-350° F.). The capsheet may comprise polyester, polypropylene, nylon, polyimide, andsimilar high-temperature resistant (e.g., able to resist the temperatureof the protective film extrusion, such as about 320-350° F.) and/or highmelt point films e.g., a melt point greater than the temperature of theprotective film extrusion, such as about 320-350° F.). The cap sheet maybe from about 0.92 mils (i.e., about 24 microns) to about 10 mils thick(i.e., about 254 microns). In some embodiments, the cap sheet may beabout 2 mils (i.e., about 50 microns) thick. The cap sheet may beembossed, brushed, or flat. In some embodiments, a micro-matte surfacestructure is defined in a cap sheet.

Suitable materials for the cap sheet and protective film may include oneor more of the following materials (or similar materials) manufacturedby Argotec, Inc. of Greenfield, Mass. (or other polyurethanemanufacturing companies): ARGOTHANE aromatic polyethers/thermoplasticpolyurethane (part numbers 17103, 17200, 18103, 18212, 18214, 18215,18233, 18235, 18242, 18247, 18248, 18305, 18411, 18422, 18433, 18450-FR,18452-FR), ARGOTHANE aromatic polyesters/thermoplastic polyurethane(part numbers 19102, 19103, 19205, 19422, 19424, 19426, D7101, 27303,27370, 28304, 29100, 29102, 29213, 29222, 29285, and/or 29300),ARGOTHANE aliphatic polyesters (part numbers 3751 and/or AGKR),ARGOTHANE aliphatic polycaprolactones/thermoplastic polyurethane (partnumber 46510) ARGOTHANE waterproof breathable films/thermoplasticpolyurethane (part numbers TX1540 and/or TX2060), ARGOFLEXwaterproof-breathable films/thermoplastic polyurethane (part numbers TX1300, TX 1500, and/or TX2000), and/or ARGOTEC film no. 49522.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of a surface of the cap sheet(e.g., a casting film and/or a casting sheet) has a texture (e.g.,brushed, ribs, ridges, grooves, raised dots, etc.). The textured surfaceof the cap sheet may be disposed on the second major surface of theprotective film. The textured surface may cause micro air pockets toform between the textured surface and the second major surface of theprotective film. The micro air pockets are small air pockets that formin gaps between the textured surface and the second major surface of theprotective film. The micro air pockets may allow the cap sheet to bemore easily removed from the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (e.g., byreducing a seal caused by two substantially smooth surfaces). In thealternative, the second major surface of the protective film may includea textured surface. However, this may decrease the optical clarity ofthe protective film and, therefore, may be less desirable to the enduser. In some embodiments, the cap sheet has a texture that defines amicro-matte surface on the second major surface of the protective film.

A mechanical smoothing device may be used to apply a pressure to anexposed surface of the cap sheet. The cap sheet may allow for the use ofa wider and/or more rigid mechanical smoothing device during theinstallation process as a result of the rigidity of the cap sheet. Forexample, the mechanical smoothing device may have approximately the samewidth as the entire electronic device (e.g., eReader, computer notebook,tablet, etc.) or a portion of the electronic device (such as a displayscreen) to which the protective film is to be applied. Additionally, thecap sheet may be sufficiently rigid to withstand the pressure applied bythe mechanical smoothing device to minimize resulting damage (e.g.,distortion) to the protective film. The smoothing device may be formedfrom a variety of materials, including a thick, heavy gauge paper (e.g.,greater than about 50 mils thick, between about 50-150 mils thick,between about 50-90 mils thick, between about 50-80 mils thick, betweenabout 60-80 mils thick, or about 70 mils thick), polyvinyl chlorideacetate (PVCA), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), siliconerubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM rubber),and/or other semi-rigid rubbers, and/or rigid plastics, such as rigidpolyethylene (e.g., HDPE, MDPE, or LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),and/or polypropylene. For example, the smoothing device may be formedfrom silicone rubber and/or EPDM rubber that is about 60 to 90 Shore Adurometer in hardness.

A wider mechanical smoothing device may provide several advantages. Forexample, a wider mechanical smoothing device only needs to be appliedonce (as it may be about the same width as a screen of an e-reader,etc.), thereby decreasing installation time. Additionally, a widermechanical smoothing device may minimize unintended skewing,repositioning and/or stretching of the protective film that may occur asa result of multiple squeegee applications (e.g., in differentdirections with respect to the screen of an e-reader, etc.). A wider andharder mechanical smoothing device allows the user to apply an increaseddownward force/pressure on the cap sheet, resulting in an increasedadherence of the protective film to the electronic device and/or reducedair bubbles between the protective film and the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the protective film includes a body and at leastone tab extending outwardly from the body. In some embodiments, theprotective film includes two tabs, for example, on opposing sides of theprotective film. The tabs may be positioned in the middle of eachopposing side, or in any other position along the edge of the protectivefilm. The tabs may function as grab handles to allow a user to moreaccurately position the protective film and cap sheet on the electronicdevice and/or to reduce fingerprints on the protective film. In someembodiments, the tabs include perforations, allowing the user to moreeasily remove the tabs after installation of the protective film.

In some embodiments of encasement disclosed herein, a protectivemembrane may be configured to allow user interaction with a biometricscanner integrated into a function or home button of a mobile electronicdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet. Such membranes may be integratedinto a rigid frame (such as in shockproof and waterproof encasementsdisclosed supra). In some embodiments, the membrane may be providedwithout a rigid and with a removable, reusable adhesive, allowingapplication of the membrane directly to a mobile electronic device. Forexample, FIG. 40A shows a protective membrane 4000 having a scanneraperture 4001, configured to allow access to a biometric scanningfunction button when overlaid onto a front surface of a mobileelectronic device having touchscreen access. Three layers are shownexploded and shifted rightward away from scanner aperture 4001 forclarity. The layers are normally stacked together and proximate thescanner aperture (see, e.g., FIGS. 40B-F). Annular conductive layer 4002faces the outer surface of the protective membrane and circumscribes thescanner aperture 4001 and partially overlapping the aperture. Sealingmembrane 4003 is positioned on the inner surface of the membraneproximate the scanner aperture 4001, and a conductive adhesive layer4004 is positioned partially on the inner surface of the sealingmembrane. In some embodiments, the sealing membrane is configured tomatch the convexity or concavity of the function button of a mobileelectronic device, for example using thermoforming. In some embodimentsthe conductive adhesive layer may be annular, as show in FIG. 40E, i.e.having a region that lacks adhesive; such an adhesive-less region may ormay not be contiguous with the outer perimeter of the conductiveadhesive layer. The perimeters of annular layers (whether they areadhesive, polymer, metal, etc.) may be circular, elliptical, polygonal,or combinations thereof. This includes both the shape of the outerperimeter of the layer as well as the inner perimeter that defines thehole, e.g. the region that lacks material. In other embodiments, theconductive adhesive layer may be a contiguous layer that is non-annular,i.e. having adhesive throughout the layer.

FIG. 40F shows a side view of the assembled protective membrane 4000 inFIG. 40E, cutaway at the scanner aperture 4001 and positioned over aportion of an electronic device having a user interface buttonintegrated with a biometric scanner. The layers in FIG. 40E are depictedwith space between them for clarity; in practice, the layers are incontact with each other and portions of the layers are in direct contactwith portions of the mobile device. The annular conductive layer 4002 ispositioned on the outer surface of protective membrane 4000 proximate toand partially overlapping the scanner aperture 4001. Sealing membrane4003 has a diameter less than that of the scanning aperture, and ispositioned partially in the scanner aperture. In some embodiments, thesealing membrane may include conductive material, such as metal (e.g.copper, aluminum, steel, silver, gold, nickel, titanium, etc.),graphite, or carbon. In certain embodiments, the sealing membrane ismade of an organic conductive polymer or copolymer that can itself actas a conductive material. Exemplary organic conductive polymers include:poly(acetylene)s (PAC); poly(p-phylene vynelene)s (PPV); aromatic cycleslacking a heteroatom, such as poly(fluorene)s, polyphenylenes,polypyrenes, polyazulenes, and polynaphthalenes; nitrogen-containingaromatic cycles such as poly(pyrrole)s (PPY), polycarbazoles,polyindoles, polyazepines, and polyanlilines (PAM); andsulfur-containing aromatic cycles, such as poly(thiophene)s (PT),poly(3,4-ethylnenecioxythiophne (PDOT), and poly(p-phenylene sulfide(PPS).

In some embodiments, the sealing membrane may be substantiallytransparent. Conductive adhesive layer 4004 is positioned below thesealing membrane 4003, scanner aperture 4001, and annular conductivelayer 4002. The conductive adhesive layer 4004 is depicted as an annularlayer; however, the conductive layer can, in some embodiments, be anon-annular layer. Conductive adhesive layer 4004 is in direct contactwith the annular conductive layer, in the gap between the outerperimeter of the sealing membrane and the inner perimeter of thescanning aperture. The conductive adhesive layer 4004 acts a conduit forcapacitive signals between the conductive button ring 4022 of the mobileelectronic device 4020 and conductive layer 4002 contacted by a user'sfinger. In some embodiments, the protective membrane may be coatedand/or impregnated with conductive materials, allowing capacitivesignals to more easily cross a portion or entirety of the membrane to acapacitive button surface 4022. In some embodiments, the sealingmembrane may be substantially transparent in order to accommodate use ofa user interface button that detects biometric features of a user viaoptical methods, described supra; in such embodiments, the conductiveadhesive layer may also be substantially transparent.

FIG. 40C shows an alternative configuration of the membrane of FIGS. 40Aand 40B. In FIG. 40C, the sealing membrane 4003 is positioned belowconductive adhesive layer 4004 and conductive layer 4002. The outerdiameter of sealing membrane 4003 is less than the inner diameter of thescanning aperture, providing a conductive pathway between the conductiveadhesive layer and the annular conductive layer. FIG. 40D depictsanother configuration of a protective membrane comprising a conductiveassembly. In FIG. 40D, sealing membrane 4003 is positioned on annularconductive layer 4002, with an adhesive 705 interposed between thesealing membrane 4003 and the annular conductive layer 4002. As in FIG.40C, the outer diameter of sealing membrane 4003 is less than the innerdiameter of the scanning aperture, providing a conductive pathwaybetween the conductive adhesive layer and the annular conductive layerand allows access by a user's finger. The conductive adhesive layer isdepicted as annular in FIGS. 40A-D, but may be non-annular in certainembodiments.

In some embodiments, a conductive ink containing conductive materialssuch as metal (e.g. copper, aluminum, steel, silver, gold, nickel,titanium, etc.), graphite, or carbon, may be used as a conductive layerincluded in a protective membrane that lacks a scanning aperture. Insuch embodiments, the conductive ink may be printed on the inner andouter surfaces of a protective membrane. For example, FIG. 40E shows aprotective membrane 4000 with conductive ink layers 4006 a and 4006 bsubstantially aligned over a conductive button ring 4022 of electronicmobile device 4020. Protective membrane 4000 is impregnated withconductive material aligned between the two conductive ink layers. Insome embodiments, the conductive material extends partially orcompletely across scanning region 4007. The conductive material in theink and in the protective membrane may be the same or may be different.

FIG. 40F shows an alternative embodiment of a protective membrane usingconductive ink. In FIG. 40F, the protective membrane 4000 includes twoor more via holes or channels 4008 through which conductive ink may beapplied and dried, such that the ink is able to reach both sides of themembrane and form a conductive ink layer 4006. FIG. 40G shows a frontelevation of a portion of a protective membrane that includes via holes4008, without the conductive ink layer. In certain embodiments, membranevia holes 4008 may be used with a conductive membrane button thatincludes legs that extend through the via holes and are configured tocontact the conductive button ring of the mobile device.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show a waterproof housing 4150 for an electronicdevice with a biometric scanner, which in this instance is a capacitivefingerprint scanner. The housing 4150 includes a top member 4120 adaptedto cover and protect a top surface of the electronic device. The topmember 4120 of the housing 4150 can include a membrane 4151 attachedthereto, and the membrane 4151 can be made of any suitable material(e.g. PET, polyurethane) that permits viewing of a touchscreen displayon the electronic device. The top member 4120 can have a front surfaceand a back surface. The back surface can be surrounded by a perimeterportion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, andopposing side portions. The top member 4120 can include a rigid framethat defines a cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted.

The waterproof housing 4150 shown in FIGS. 41A and 41B can also includea bottom member configured to removably couple with the top member toform the waterproof housing. The bottom member can have a front surfaceand a back surface surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by aproximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions.The perimeter portion of the bottom member can correspond to a shape ofthe perimeter portion of the top member.

The waterproof housing 4150 in FIGS. 41A and 41B can include a membrane4151 defining the front surface and back surface of the top member 4120and being mated to the rigid frame. The member can extend from theproximal end portion to the distal end portion and across the opposingside portions of the top member. The membrane 4151 can include abiometric scanning portion 4152 adapted to cover the biometric scannerof the electronic device when the electronic device is fitted into thetop member 4120 of the housing. The biometric scanning portion can havea thickness that is sufficiently thin to permit the biometric scanner ofthe electronic device to scan a user's fingerprint through the biometricscanning portion 4152 when the electronic device is fitted into the topmember 4120 of the waterproof housing 4150.

FIG. 41C shows a front view of an electronic device beside a top member4120 of a housing 4150, where a protective film (e.g. biometric scanningportion 4152) is applied to a surface of the electronic device to covera biometric scanner of the electronic device. FIG. 41D shows thecomponents of FIG. 41C with the top member 4120 installed onto theelectronic device. The waterproof housing 4150 may not include amembrane that covers the touchscreen display of the electronic device toprevent liquid intrusion. Instead, the top member 4120 of the housingmay include a gasket that circumscribes the opening in the top memberand seals directly against a surface (e.g. a glass surface) of theelectronic device to prevent liquid intrusion into the housing. Thewaterproof housing 4150 shown in FIGS. 41C and 41D has been modified toprovide an access opening 4121 in the top member 4120, where the accessopening 4121 provides access to a biometric scanner of the electronicdevice. The access opening 4121 can be covered a biometric scanningportion 4152. Alternately, the biometric scanning portion 4152 can be aprotective film that is applied directly to the front surface of theelectronic device, as shown in FIG. 41C, and the top member 4120 canthen be installed over the biometric scanning portion, as shown in FIG.41D. The biometric scanner portion 4152 can be a thin layer of polymermaterial (e.g. polyurethane) that is sufficiently thin to permit thebiometric scanner of the electronic device to scan a user's fingerprintthrough the biometric scanning portion 4152 after the electronic deviceis fitted into the top member 4120 of the waterproof housing 4150. Inone example, the biometric scanner portion 4152 can have a thickness ofabout 0.001-0.010, 0.002-0.006, or 0.002-0.004 inches.

FIG. 41E shows another example of a top member 4120 for a housing orencasement 4150. The top member 4120 can include a membrane 4151attached thereto by any suitable method (e.g. adhesive). The membrane4151 can include a hole 4153 that is adapted to be disposed over thebiometric scanner of the electronic device when the electronic device isfitted into the top member 4120 of the housing 4150. The membrane 4151can include a biometric scanning portion 4152 that covers the hole 4153in the membrane and provides a waterproof seal over the hole in themembrane. The biometric scanning portion 4152 can be integrated into themembrane 4151. In another example, the biometric scanning portion can beaffixed to the membrane by any suitable method (e.g. adhesive) and canbe affixed to either a front or back surface of the membrane. In oneexample, the biometric scanner portion 4152 can have a thickness ofabout 0.001-0.010, 0.002-0.006, or 0.002-0.004 inches.

FIGS. 41F, 41G, and 41H show the membrane 4151 of FIG. 41E before beingattached to the top member 4120 of the housing 4150. The membrane 4151can include an adhesive layer 4154, such as a pressure sensitiveadhesive layer, circumscribing a perimeter of the membrane. The adhesivelayer 4154 can permit the membrane to mate with the top member 4120 ofthe housing. The hole 4152 in the membrane can be covered by a biometricscanning portion 4152. The biometric scanning portion 4152 can betransparent as shown in FIG. 41F or opaque as shown in FIGS. 41G and41H.

FIGS. 42A-42D show a waterproof housing 4250 for an electronic devicewith a biometric scanner, which in this instance is a capacitivefingerprint scanner. The housing 4250 includes a top member 4220 adaptedto cover and protect a top surface of the electronic device. The topmember 4220 of the housing 4250 can include a membrane 4251 attachedthereto, and the membrane 4251 can be made of any suitable material(e.g. PET, polyurethane) that permits viewing of a touchscreen displayon the electronic device. The top member 4220 can have a front surfaceand a back surface. The back surface can be surrounded by a perimeterportion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, andopposing side portions. The top member 4220 can include a rigid framethat defines a cavity into which the electronic device may be fitted.

The waterproof housing 4250 shown in FIGS. 42A-42D can also include abottom member configured to removably couple with the top member to formthe waterproof housing. The bottom member 4230 can have a front surfaceand a back surface surrounded by a perimeter portion defined by aproximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions.The perimeter portion of the bottom member can correspond to a shape ofthe perimeter portion of the top member.

The waterproof housing 4250 shown in FIGS. 42A-42D can include amembrane 4251 defining the front surface and back surface of the topmember 4220 and being mated to the rigid frame. The member can extendfrom the proximal end portion to the distal end portion and across theopposing side portions of the top member.

The waterproof housing 4250 shown in FIGS. 42A-42D can include athreaded plug 4256 adapted to cover and seal an access opening 4257 inthe top member 4220. The access opening 4257 can permit a user to placetheir finger on or in close proximity to a biometric scanner on theelectronic device. The threaded plug 4256 is shown in detail in FIGS.42E-42H. The threaded plug 4256 can include threads that are adapted toengage mating threads disposed within the access opening 4257 of the topmember 4120. In one example, the threaded plug 4256 can include a gasketproximate a gasket surface 4259 of the threaded plug. The gasket canpermit the threaded plug to form a watertight seal against a surface ofthe top member 4120 when threaded into the access opening 4257. Inanother example, the gasket 4258 can be affixed to an outer surface ofthe top member 4120 and can permit the threaded plug 4256 to form awatertight seal against a surface of the top member 4120 when threadedinto the access opening 4257.

It may only be necessary to remove the threaded plug 4256 from theaccess opening 4257 when a user needs to access the biometric scanner onthe electronic device (e.g. to allow their fingerprint to be scanned).In other situations, the threaded plug 4256 may remain installed, andthe user may actuate a button (such as a home button on an IPHONE) bypressing against an outer surface 4261 of the threaded plug, which canresult in depression of a protrusion 4260 that is adapted to actuate thebutton on the electronic device. The outer surface and protrusion of thethreaded plug 4256 can be made of a relatively soft, resilient matersuch as a thermoplastic elastomer, which allows depression of theprotrusion 4260 without significant force applied to the outer surface4261 of the threaded plug and which does not damage the button on theelectronic device due to repeated contact.

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a waterproof protectivecase for an electronic device having a fingerprint scanner and aninteractive touchscreen. The waterproof protective case includes a firstmember, a second member, and a membrane. The first member includes asurface and a first perimeter portion surrounding the surface, the firstperimeter portion being defined by a proximal end portion, a distal endportion, and opposing side portions. The proximal end portion, thedistal end portion, and the opposing side portions define an interiorportion of the first member to receive the electronic device, and thefirst perimeter portion has a first clasping mechanism. The secondmember removably couples to the first member to form the waterproofprotective case, and includes a second surface and a second perimeterportion. The second perimeter portion has a shape corresponding to ashape of the first perimeter portion of the first member, and includes asecond clasping mechanism for interfacing with the first claspingmechanism of the first member to couple the second member to the firstmember to enclose the electronic device inside the protective case. Themembrane may be in the first surface of the first member or the secondsurface of the second membrane to facilitate user interaction with thefingerprint scanner of the electronic device inside the waterproofprotective case. The membrane allows the user interaction with thefingerprint scanner of the electronic device through the membrane.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the membrane has athickness that is sufficiently thin to permit a fingerprint of a user tobe scanned by the fingerprint scanner through the membrane. In someembodiments, the thickness of the membrane is about 0.001 in. to about0.006 in. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a polyurethanefilm. In some embodiments, the polyurethane film includes an aliphaticpolycaprolactone polyurethane film. In certain embodiments, the membraneincludes a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the membraneincludes polyethylene terephthalate.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the first and secondclasping mechanisms of the respective first and the second membersextend along the respective first perimeter portion and second perimeterportion. In some embodiments, one of the first perimeter portion and thesecond perimeter portion includes a channel and a gasket for engagingthe other of the first portion and the second perimeter portion tocouple the top member to the bottom member. In some embodiments thechannel includes a groove in a side of the channel, and wherein theother of the first perimeter portion and the second perimeter portionincludes a lip for engaging the groove when the top member and bottommember are coupled.

A second aspect of the present technology includes a housing for anelectronic device having a biometric scanning device and an interactivetouchscreen. The housing includes a top member, a bottom member, a firstmembrane, and a second membrane. The top member has a front surfacesurrounded by a perimeter portion. The perimeter portion is defined by aproximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions,wherein the proximal end portion, the distal end portion, and theopposing side portions define an interior portion of the top member thatis configured to receive the electronic device. The perimeter portionhas a first clasping mechanism. The bottom member may be removablycoupled to the top member to form the housing. The bottom member has abottom member perimeter portion corresponding to a shape of theperimeter portion of the top member. The bottom member perimeter portionhas a second clasping mechanism for interfacing with first claspingmechanism of the top member to couple the bottom member to the topmember to enclose the electronic device within the housing. The firstmembrane is configured to permit interaction with the interactivetouchscreen of the electronic device from outside the housing when theelectronic device is enclosed in the housing. The second membrane isconfigured to permit interaction with the biometric scanning device ofthe electronic device from outside the housing when the electronicdevice is enclosed in the housing. The second membrane has a thicknessthat is less than a thickness of the first membrane.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the biometric scanningdevice includes a fingerprint scanner, and the thickness of the secondmembrane is sufficiently thin to permit a fingerprint of a user to bescanned by the fingerprint scanner through the membrane. In someembodiments, the thickness of the second membrane is about 0.001 in. toabout 0.006 in. In some embodiments, the second membrane comprises apolyurethane film. In certain embodiments, the polyurethane filmcomprises an aliphatic polycaprolactone polyurethane film. In someembodiments, the second membrane comprises a thermoplastic polymer. Insome embodiments, the second membrane comprises polyethyleneterephthalate.

In certain embodiment, the first and second clasping mechanisms of therespective top and the bottom members extend along the respective topmember perimeter portion and bottom member perimeter portion.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the first and secondclasping mechanisms of the respective first and the second membersextend along the respective first perimeter portion and second perimeterportion. In some embodiments, one of the first perimeter portion and thesecond perimeter portion includes a channel and a gasket for engagingthe other of the first portion and the second perimeter portion tocouple the top member to the bottom member. In some embodiments thechannel includes a groove in a side of the channel, and wherein theother of the first perimeter portion and the second perimeter portionincludes a lip for engaging the groove when the top member and bottommember are coupled.

A third aspect of the present disclosure includes a water resistanthousing for an electronic device having an interactive touchscreen and abiometric scanner, the water resistant housing including a top member, abottom member, and a membrane in the housing. The top member has a frontsurface surrounded by a top member perimeter portion. The top memberperimeter portion is defined by a proximal end portion, a distal endportion, and opposing side portions, wherein the proximal end portion,the distal end portion, and the opposing side portions define aninterior portion of the top member to receive the electronic device. Thetop member perimeter portion includes a first clasping mechanism. Thebottom member can be removably coupled with the top member to form thewater resistant housing. The bottom member has a bottom member perimeterportion corresponding to a shape of the top member perimeter portion,and has a second clasping mechanism for interfacing with the firstclasping mechanism of the top member to couple the bottom member to thetop member to enclose the electronic device within the water resistanthousing. The membrane has a biometric scanning portion adapted to coverthe biometric scanner of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is enclosed in the water resistant housing. The biometricscanning portion has a thickness that is sufficiently thin to permit thebiometric scanner of the electronic device to scan through the biometricscanning portion when the electronic device is enclosed in the waterresistant housing.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the biometric scanningdevice includes a fingerprint scanner, and the thickness of the secondmembrane is sufficiently thin to permit a fingerprint of a user to bescanned by the fingerprint scanner through the membrane. In someembodiments, the thickness of the second membrane is about 0.001 in. toabout 0.006 in. In some embodiments, the second membrane comprises apolyurethane film. In certain embodiments, the polyurethane filmcomprises an aliphatic polycaprolactone polyurethane film. In someembodiments, the second membrane comprises a thermoplastic polymer. Insome embodiments, the second membrane comprises polyethyleneterephthalate.

In certain embodiment, the first and second clasping mechanisms of therespective top and the bottom members extend along the respective topmember perimeter portion and bottom member perimeter portion.

In some embodiments of the foregoing aspect, the first and secondclasping mechanisms of the respective first and the second membersextend along the respective first perimeter portion and second perimeterportion. In some embodiments, one of the first perimeter portion and thesecond perimeter portion includes a channel and a gasket for engagingthe other of the first portion and the second perimeter portion tocouple the top member to the bottom member. In some embodiments thechannel includes a groove in a side of the channel, and wherein theother of the first perimeter portion and the second perimeter portionincludes a lip for engaging the groove when the top member and bottommember are coupled.

The figures described above may depict exemplary configurations for anapparatus of the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding thefeatures and functionality that can be included in the housingsdescribed herein. The apparatus is not restricted to the illustratedarchitectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a varietyof alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, althoughthe apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features and functionality described in one or more of theindividual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the presentdisclosure, especially in any following claims, should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

The contents of the articles, patents, and patent applications, and allother documents and electronically available information mentioned orcited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety tothe same extent as if each individual publication was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicantsreserve the right to physically incorporate into this application anyand all materials and information from any such articles, patents,patent applications, or other physical and electronic documents.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read to mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectivessuch as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms ofsimilar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item describedto a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, butinstead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal,or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at anytime in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with theconjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and everyone of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be readas “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group ofitems linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiringmutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as“and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item,elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed inthe singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereofunless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence ofbroadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but notlimited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read tomean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances wheresuch broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, where a range isset forth, the upper and lower limits of the stated range are inclusiveof all of the intermediary units therein. The term “about” is usedherein to refer to +/−10% of a given measurement unless otherwiseindicated.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each ofthe narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the genericdisclosure also form part of the methods. This includes the genericdescription of the methods with a proviso or negative limitationremoving any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or notthe excised material is specifically recited herein.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. In addition, wherefeatures or aspects of the methods are described in terms of Markushgroups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention isalso thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup ofmembers of the Markush group.

The foregoing description is intended to illustrate but not to limit thescope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appendedclaims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A waterproof housing for an electronic device, thewaterproof housing comprising: a bottom member for receiving at least aportion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installedin the waterproof housing, the bottom member including a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the bottom member, where theperimeter portion of the bottom member includes an interior boundingmember and an exterior bounding member, the interior bounding member andthe exterior bounding member forming a channel in the bottom member, theexterior bounding member including a groove; a first gasket; a secondgasket; and a top member that removably couples to the bottom member toform the waterproof housing, the top member including a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the top member, the perimeterportion of the top member extending into the channel of the bottommember between the interior bounding member and the exterior boundingmember of the bottom member when the top member is coupled to the bottommember, the top member further including a ridge that mates with thegroove of the exterior bounding member of the bottom member, wherein thefirst gasket is compressed between the exterior bounding member of thebottom member and the perimeter portion of the top member and the secondgasket is compressed by the perimeter portion of the top member in thechannel of the bottom member when the top member is coupled to thebottom member.
 2. The waterproof housing of claim 1 wherein theperimeter portion of the top member further includes a groove and thefirst gasket sits in the groove of the top member.
 3. The waterproofhousing of claim 1 wherein the first gasket is bonded to the bottommember.
 4. The waterproof housing of claim 1 wherein the first gasket isbonded to the top member.
 5. The waterproof housing of claim 1 whereinthe second gasket is bonded to the bottom member.
 6. The waterproofhousing of claim 1 wherein the second gasket is bonded to the topmember.
 7. A waterproof housing for an electronic device, the waterproofhousing comprising: a first member for receiving at least a portion ofthe electronic device when the electronic device is installed in thewaterproof housing, the first member including a perimeter portionextending around a perimeter of the first member, where the perimeterportion of the first member includes an interior bounding member and anexterior bounding member, the interior bounding member and the exteriorbounding member forming a channel in the first member, the exteriorbounding member including a groove; a first gasket; a second gasket; anda second member that removably couples to the first member to form thewaterproof housing, the second member including a perimeter portionextending around a perimeter of the second member, the perimeter portionof the second member extending into the channel of the first memberbetween the interior bounding member and the exterior bounding member ofthe first member when the second member is coupled to the first member,the second member further including a ridge that mates with the grooveof the exterior bounding member of the first member, wherein the firstgasket is compressed between the exterior bounding member of the firstmember and the perimeter portion of the second member and the secondgasket is compressed by the perimeter portion of the second member inthe channel of the first member when the second member is coupled to thefirst member.
 8. The waterproof housing of claim 7 wherein the perimeterportion of the second member further includes a groove and the firstgasket sits in the groove of the second member.
 9. The waterproofhousing of claim 7 wherein the first gasket is bonded to the firstmember.
 10. The waterproof housing of claim 7 wherein the first gasketis bonded to the second member.
 11. The waterproof housing of claim 7wherein the second gasket is bonded to the first member.
 12. Thewaterproof housing of claim 7 wherein the second gasket is bonded to thesecond member.
 13. A waterproof housing for an electronic device, thewaterproof housing comprising: a first member for receiving at least aportion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installedin the waterproof housing, the first member including a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the first member, where theperimeter portion of the first member includes an interior boundingmember and an exterior bounding member, the interior bounding member andthe exterior bounding member forming a channel in the first member, theexterior bounding member including a groove; a gasket; and a secondmember that removably couples to the first member to form the waterproofhousing, the second member including a perimeter portion extendingaround a perimeter of the second member, the perimeter portion of thesecond member extending into the channel of the first member between theinterior bounding member and the exterior bounding member of the firstmember when the second member is coupled to the first member, the secondmember further including a ridge that mates with the groove of theexterior bounding member of the first member, wherein the gasket iscompressed between the first member and the second member when the firstmember is coupled to the second member.
 14. The waterproof housing ofclaim 13 wherein the perimeter portion of the second member furtherincludes a groove and the gasket sits in the groove of the secondmember.
 15. The waterproof housing of claim 13 wherein the gasket sitsin the channel of the first member.
 16. The waterproof housing of claim13 wherein the first gasket is bonded to the first member.
 17. Thewaterproof housing of claim 13 wherein the first gasket is bonded to thesecond member.
 18. A waterproof housing for an electronic device, thewaterproof housing comprising: a first member for receiving at least aportion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installedin the waterproof housing, the first member including a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the first member, where theperimeter portion of the first member includes an interior boundingmember and an exterior bounding member, the interior bounding member andthe exterior bounding member forming a channel in the first member, theexterior bounding member including one of a groove and a ridge; agasket; and a second member that removably couples to the first memberto form the waterproof housing, the second member including a perimeterportion extending around a perimeter of the second member, the perimeterportion of the second member extending into the channel of the firstmember between the interior bounding member and the exterior boundingmember of the first member when the second member is coupled to thefirst member, the second member further including another of the grooveand the ridge that mates with the one of the groove and the ridge of theexterior bounding member of the first member, wherein the gasket iscompressed between the first member and the second member when thesecond member is coupled to the first member.
 19. The waterproof housingof claim 18 further comprising a second gasket that compresses betweenthe first member and the second member when the first member and thesecond member are coupled together.
 20. The waterproof housing of claim19 wherein the gasket is compressed between the exterior bounding memberof the first member and the perimeter portion of the second member andthe second gasket is compressed in the channel of the first member bythe perimeter portion of the second member.